Fluid Systems That Include a Co-Flow Jet

ABSTRACT

Fluid systems are described herein. An example embodiment of a fluid system has a lengthwise axis, a chord length, a first body portion, a second body portion, a spacer, and a fluid pressurizer. The first body portion and the second body portion cooperatively define an injection opening, a suction opening, and a channel that extends from the injection opening to the suction opening. The fluid pressurizer is disposed within the channel cooperatively defined by the first body portion and the second body portion. The first body portion defines a cavity that is sized and configured to filter debris that enters the channel during use and provide a mechanism for removing the debris from the system.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/348,344, filed on Jun. 10, 2016. The entire disclosure of thisrelated application is hereby incorporated into this disclosure byreference.

FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to the field of fluid systems. Moreparticularly, the disclosure relates to fluid systems that include aco-flow jet.

BACKGROUND

Transportation vehicles, such as aircraft, have traditionally made useof propellers or jet engine propulsion systems to generate thrust andwings to generate lift to support the weight of the aircraft. Generally,the propulsion and lift-generating systems have been addressed asseparate systems. Some airfoil systems have been developed that combinethese systems by utilizing a conduit that is in communication withoutlet and inlet openings defined on the wing of the aircraft. However,these systems do not address the potential for debris to enter into theconduit and reduce the efficiency and effectiveness of the system. Inaddition, these systems do not provide alternatives for altering thefluid flow through the conduit to achieve greater propulsion and/orlift.

Therefore, a need exists for new and useful fluid systems.

SUMMARY OF SELECTED EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Various fluid systems are described herein.

An example fluid system includes a first body portion, a second bodyportion, a spacer, a fluid pressurizer, a first panel, a first actuator,a second panel, and a second actuator. The first body portion has aleading edge, a trailing edge, a first intermediate edge, a secondintermediate edge, a front surface, a rear surface, a bottom surface,and a main body that defines a recess, an inner surface, a recess base,a first opening, a second opening, a third opening, and a cavity. Thefirst intermediate edge is disposed between the leading edge and thesecond intermediate edge. The second intermediate edge is disposedbetween the first intermediate edge and the trailing edge. The frontsurface extends from the leading edge to the first intermediate edge.The rear surface extends from the trailing edge to the secondintermediate edge. The bottom surface extends from the leading edge tothe trailing edge. The recess extends into the main body of the firstbody portion from the first opening to the recess base and forms theinner surface. The first opening extends from the first intermediateedge to the second intermediate edge. The second opening is defined onthe inner surface and provides access to the cavity. The third openingis defined on the bottom surface and provides access to the cavity. Thesecond body portion is disposed within the recess defined by the mainbody of the first body portion. The first body portion and the secondbody portion cooperatively define an injection opening, a suctionopening, and a channel that extends from the injection opening to thesuction opening. The channel has a first portion that extends from thesuction opening toward the injection opening and a second portion thatextends from the injection opening toward the suction opening. Thespacer is disposed within the channel cooperatively defined by the firstbody portion and the second body portion. The spacer partially obstructsfluid flow through the channel. The fluid pressurizer is disposed withinthe channel cooperatively defined by the first body portion and thesecond body portion and has a suction port directed toward the firstportion of the channel and a discharge port directed toward the secondportion of the channel. The first panel is moveably attached to thefirst body portion and is moveable between an open configuration inwhich fluid can flow through the third opening and a closedconfiguration in which fluid is prevented from flowing through the thirdopening. The first actuator is operatively attached to the first paneland is configured to move the first panel between the open configurationand the closed configuration. The second panel is moveably attached tothe first body portion and is moveable between an open configuration inwhich fluid can flow through the second opening and a closedconfiguration in which fluid is prevented from flowing through thesecond opening. The second actuator is operatively attached to thesecond panel and is configured to move the second panel between the openconfiguration and the closed configuration. The second opening providesaccess between the channel and the cavity. The third opening providesaccess between the cavity and an environment exterior to the first bodyportion.

Additional understanding of the exemplary fluid systems can be obtainedby review of the detailed description, below, and the appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a first example fluid system subjected to afluid flow field.

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective cross-sectional view of the fluid systemillustrated in FIG. 1 taken along a plane that is orthogonal to thelengthwise axis of the fluid system.

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective cross-sectional view of the fluid systemillustrated in FIG. 1 taken along a plane that is orthogonal to thelengthwise axis of the fluid system.

FIG. 4 is a magnified view of area I illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a magnified view of area II illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a magnified view of area III illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a side view of a conventional airfoil subjected to a fluidflow field.

FIG. 8 is a partial perspective cross-sectional view of a second examplefluid system taken along a plane that is orthogonal to the lengthwiseaxis of the fluid system. The discrete spacers are illustrated in afirst configuration.

FIG. 9 illustrates the discrete spacers of the fluid system illustratedin FIG. 8 in a second configuration.

FIG. 10 is a partial perspective cross-sectional view of a third examplefluid system taken along a plane that is orthogonal to the lengthwiseaxis of the fluid system. The spacer is illustrated in a firstconfiguration.

FIG. 11 illustrates the spacer of the fluid system illustrated in FIG.10 in a second configuration.

FIG. 12 is a partial perspective cross-sectional view of a fourthexample fluid system taken along a plane that is orthogonal to thelengthwise axis of the fluid system.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a fifth example fluid systemsubjected to a fluid flow field and taken along a plane that isorthogonal to the lengthwise axis of the fluid system. The first panelis illustrated in the closed configuration and the second panel isillustrated in the open configuration.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a sixth example fluid system takenalong a plane that is orthogonal to the lengthwise axis of the fluidsystem. The flow regulator is in a first position.

FIG. 15 is another cross-sectional view of the fluid system illustratedin FIG. 14 with the flow regulator in a second position.

FIG. 16 is a side view of a first example rotatable wing system.

FIG. 17 is a partial top view of the rotatable wing system illustratedin FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of the rotatable wing systemillustrated in FIG. 16 taken along a plane that is parallel to thelengthwise axis of the fuselage.

FIG. 19 is a partial section view of the rotatable wing systemillustrated in FIG. 16 taken along line 19-19.

FIG. 20 is a side view of a second example rotatable wing system.

FIG. 21 is a side view of a third example rotatable wing system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description and the appended drawings describeand illustrate various example embodiments of fluid systems. Thedescription and illustration of these examples are provided to enableone skilled in the art to make and use a fluid system. They are notintended to limit the scope of the claims in any manner.

As used herein, the term “debris” refers to any material that is sizedand configured to pass through an injection opening or suction openingand can include raindrops, sand, snow, and/or any other material.

As used herein, the phrase “chord length” refers to the length extendingfrom the leading edge of an element to the trailing edge of the element.The phrase “chord length” does not limit the structural configuration ofthe element and can be used to describe the length of any element.

FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 illustrate a first example fluid system 10.The fluid system 10 has a lengthwise axis 11, a first body portion 12, achord length 13, a second body portion 14, a plurality of supports 16, aplurality of spacers 18, a first panel 20, a first actuator 22, a secondpanel 24, a second actuator 26, and a fluid pressurizer 28. In theillustrated embodiment, the fluid system 10 is included on the airfoil30 of a wing 32 of an aircraft.

The first body portion 12 has a leading edge 38, a trailing edge 40, afirst intermediate edge 42, a second intermediate edge 44, a frontsurface 46, a rear surface 48, a bottom surface 50, and a main body 52that defines a recess 54, an inner surface 56, a first opening 58, asecond opening 60, a third opening 62, and a cavity 64. The chord length13 extends from the leading edge 38 to the trailing edge 40 along ahypothetical plane. The leading edge 38 is the portion of the first bodyportion 12 (e.g., the front of the first body portion 12) that interactswith fluid first when the fluid system 10 is traveling through a fluidin a forward direction (e.g., in the direction indicated by arrow 39).The trailing edge 40 is the portion of the first body portion 12 (e.g.,the rear of the first body portion 12) that interacts with fluid lastwhen the fluid system 10 is traveling through a fluid in a forwarddirection (e.g., in the direction indicated by arrow 39).

The first intermediate edge 42 is disposed between the leading edge 38and the trailing edge 40 and the second intermediate edge 44 is disposedbetween the first intermediate edge 42 and the trailing edge 40. Thefirst intermediate edge 42 and the second intermediate edge 44 definethe first opening 58. The front surface 46 extends from the leading edge38 toward the trailing edge 40 to the first intermediate edge 42 andcurves away from the chord length 13. The rear surface 48 extends fromthe second intermediate edge 44 away from the leading edge 38 to thetrailing edge 40 and curves toward the chord length 13. The bottomsurface 50 extends from the leading edge 38 to the trailing edge 40 andextends toward the chord length 13 along a first portion 51 of thebottom surface 50 and away from the chord length 13 along a secondportion 53 of the bottom surface 50, as shown in FIG. 2.

The recess 54 extends into the main body 52 between the leading edge 38and the trailing edge 40 (e.g., between the front surface 46 and therear surface 48), from the first opening 58, and toward the bottomsurface 50 to a recess base 59. The recess 54 is sized and configured toreceive the second body portion 14 (a portion of the second body portion14, the entirety of the second body portion 14), as described in moredetail herein. The recess 54 has a first width 55 between the firstintermediate edge 42 and the second intermediate edge 44 and a secondwidth 57 between the first opening 58 and the recess base 59. The firstwidth 55 is measured along a first hypothetical line that extends fromthe first intermediate edge 42 to the second intermediate edge 44. Thesecond width 57 is measured along a second hypothetical line that isdifferent than, and disposed parallel to, the first hypothetical lineand extends across the recess 54. The second width 57 is greater thanthe first width 55.

As shown in FIG. 4, a portion of the front surface 46 that extends fromthe first intermediate edge 42 toward the leading edge 38 is disposed atan angle 47 to the inner surface 56 that defines the recess 54. In theillustrated embodiment, the angle 47 is less than 90 degrees. As shownin FIG. 5, a portion of the rear surface 48 that extends from the secondintermediate edge 44 toward the trailing edge 40 is disposed at an angle49 to the inner surface 56 that defines the recess 54. In theillustrated embodiment, the angle 47 is less than 90 degrees.

While a portion of the front surface 46 and a portion of the rearsurface 48 have been described as being disposed at angles less than 90degrees relative to the inner surface 56, a portion of the front surfaceand/or a portion of a rear surface can be disposed at any suitable anglerelative to an inner surface of a fluid system. Selection of a suitableangle to position a portion of a front surface and/or a portion of arear surface can be based on various considerations, such as the desiredfluid flow around, or through, a fluid system. Example angles consideredsuitable to position a portion of a front surface and/or a portion of arear surface of a first body portion relative to an inner surfaceinclude angles less than 90 degrees, angles less than 45 degrees, andany other angle considered suitable for a particular embodiment.

The second opening 60 is disposed on a portion of a curved surface ofthe inner surface 56 within recess 54, between the rear surface 48 andthe bottom surface 50, and provides access between the channel 106, asdescribed in more detail herein, and the cavity 64. The third opening 62is disposed on the bottom surface 50 and provides access between thecavity 64 and an environment exterior to the first body portion 12. Thecavity 64 is disposed between the rear surface 48 and the bottom surface50 and is sized and configured to receive fluid that travels intochannel 106, as described in more detail herein, and debris that entersinto the channel 106 during movement of the fluid system 10 throughfluid. In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity 64 has an ovalcross-sectional configuration that advantageously allows debris toaccumulate within the cavity 64 during movement of the fluid system 10through fluid when the second opening 60 is open and the third opening62 is closed. Debris (e.g., water and/or sand) accumulates in the cavity64 because it has a higher density than the fluid (e.g., air) throughwhich it is travelling and higher centrifugal forces will be applied tothe debris based on the structural arrangement (e.g., curved, non-linearstructural arrangement) of the first body portion 12 and the second bodyportion 14 and the structural arrangement of the channel 106 (e.g., thechannel 106 curves from the suction opening 104 toward the injectionopening 102 at angle between about 10 degrees and about 180 degrees).While the fluid system 10 has been described as a wing 32 of an aircrafttravelling through air, a fluid system can travel through any suitablefluid and debris can be any debris that is disposed within the fluid.

While the cavity 64 has been illustrated as having an ovalcross-sectional configuration, a cavity can have any suitablecross-sectional configuration and selection of a suitablecross-sectional configuration for a cavity according to a particularembodiment can be based on various considerations, including the desiredflow patterns within a cavity when fluid and/or debris travels into thecavity. Example cross-sectional configurations considered suitableinclude oval, circular, curved, partially curved, triangular, square,rectangular, and any other cross-sectional configuration consideredsuitable for a particular embodiment.

Maintaining the position of a panel, such as the first panel 20 and thesecond panel 24, as described in more detail herein, during use can beaccomplished using any suitable structure having any suitable structuralarrangement that is capable of maintaining the position of a panel andallowing axial movement of the panel in along an axis. Selection of asuitable structure can be based on various considerations, such as thestructural arrangement of a panel included in a fluid system, thestructural arrangement of a first body portion, and/or the structuralarrangement of a second body portion. Examples of structures consideredsuitable to include in a fluid system to maintain the position of apanel and allow axial movement of the panel in along an axis includebrackets, rails, recessed grooves, tracks, and any other structureconsidered suitable for a particular embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the illustrated embodiment, the first bodyportion 12 includes a first track 66 and a second track 68 that are eachsized and configured to maintain the position of a panel and allow axialmovement of the panel in along an axis. The first track 66 has a firsttrack first rail 70 and a first track second rail 72 and the secondtrack 68 has a second track first rail (not illustrated) and a secondtrack second rail 76. In the illustrated embodiment, the second trackfirst rail has a configuration that mirrors that of the second tracksecond rail 76. Each of the first track first rail 70 and first tracksecond rail 72 has a length 71 that is greater than the length 141 ofthe first panel 20 and that extends along the length of the thirdopening 62. Each of the second track first rail and second track secondrail 76 has a length 75 that is greater than the length 165 of thesecond panel 24 and that extends along the length of the second opening60. The first track 66 is sized and configured relative to the firstbody portion 12 to receive a portion of the first panel 20 and thesecond track 68 is sized and configured relative to the first bodyportion 12 to receive a portion of the second panel 24.

Each of the first track 66 (e.g., first track first rail 70, first tracksecond rail 72) and second track 68 (e.g., second track first rail,second track first rail 76) can be attached to the first body portion 12using any suitable technique or method of attachment. Alternatively, asecond track can be attached to both a first body portion and a secondbody portion, or to only a second body portion, and positioned such thata second panel can move between open and closed configurations relativeto a second opening. Selection of a suitable technique or method ofattachment between a track and a first body portion and/or second bodyportion according to a particular embodiment can be based on variousconsiderations, including the material(s) that forms the track, thefirst body portion, and/or the second body portion. Example techniquesand methods of attachment considered suitable include welding, fusing,using adhesives, mechanical connectors, and/or forming the first bodyportion, second body portion, and each track (e.g., rail) as anintegrated component. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the firsttrack 66 and second track 68 is a separate element welded to the firstbody portion 12.

The second body portion 14 is disposed within the recess 54 defined bythe first body portion 12 and has a main body 78, a front edge 80, arear edge 82, a top surface 84, and a bottom surface 86. The top surface84 extends from the front edge 80 to the rear edge 82 and extends awayfrom the chord length 13 along a first portion of the top surface 84that extends from the front edge 80 toward the rear edge 82 and extendstoward from the chord length 13 along a second portion of the topsurface 84 that extends from the rear edge 82 toward the front edge 80.The bottom surface 86 extends from the front edge 80 to the rear edge 82and extends away from the chord length 13 along a first portion of thebottom surface 86 that extends from the front edge 80 toward the rearedge 82 and extends toward from the chord length 13 along a secondportion of the bottom surface 86 that extends from the rear edge 82toward the front edge 82.

As shown in FIG. 4, a portion of the top surface 84 that extends fromthe front edge 80 toward the rear edge 82 is disposed at an angle 81 toa first axis 83 that is disposed orthogonally to the chord length 13. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the angle 81 is less than 90 degrees. Asshown in FIG. 5, a portion of the top surface 84 that extends from therear edge 82 and toward the front edge 80 is disposed at an angle 85 toa second axis 87 that is disposed orthogonally to the chord length 13.In the illustrated embodiment, the angle 85 is less than 90 degrees.

While portions of the top surface 84 have been described as beingdisposed at angles less than 90 degrees relative to axes that aredisposed orthogonally to the chord length 13, a portion of the topsurface of a second body portion can be disposed at any suitable anglerelative to an axis that is disposed orthogonally to the chord length.Selection of a suitable angle to position a portion of a top surface canbe based on various considerations, such as the desired fluid flowaround, or through, a fluid system. Example angles considered suitableto position a portion of a top surface of a second body portion relativeto an axis that is disposed orthogonally to the chord length includeangles less than 90 degrees, angles less than 45 degrees, and any otherangle considered suitable for a particular embodiment.

While the first body portion 12 and second body portion 14 have beenillustrated as having a particular structural arrangement and as beingseparate structures attached to one another, a first body portion andsecond body portion can have any suitable structural arrangement and beattached to one another using any suitable technique or method ofattachment. Selection of a suitable structural arrangement for a firstbody portion and/or second body portion and of a suitable technique ormethod of attachment according to a particular embodiment can be basedon various considerations, such as the desired fluid flow through achannel cooperatively defined by a first body portion and second bodyportion. For example, alternative to positioning the top surface of asecond body portion such that it is disposed between a hypotheticalsurface that extends from the front surface to the rear surface of afirst body portion and the bottom surface of the first body portion, thetop surface of a second body portion can be positioned such that it ispartially disposed on a hypothetical surface that extends from the frontsurface to the rear surface of a first body portion, or such that it isdisposed outside of the space between a hypothetical surface thatextends from the front surface to the rear surface of a first bodyportion and the bottom surface of the first body portion. Exampletechniques and methods of attachment considered suitable between a firstbody portion and a second body portion include welding, fusing, usingadhesives, mechanical connectors, and/or forming a first body portionand a second body portion as an integrated component. In the illustratedembodiment, the first body portion 12 is attached to the second bodyportion 14 by welding the supports 16 to each of the first body portion12 and the second body portion 14, as described in more detail herein.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first body portion 12 and the secondbody portion 14 cooperatively define an injection opening 102, a suctionopening 104, and a channel 106. The first intermediate edge 42 and thesecond body portion 14 cooperatively define the injection opening 102.The second intermediate edge 44 and the second body portion 14cooperatively define the suction opening 104. The injection opening 102is disposed between the leading edge 38 and the suction opening 104 andthe suction opening 104 is disposed between the injection opening 102and the trailing edge 40 such that the injection opening 102 is disposedupstream from the suction opening 104 when the fluid system 10 istraveling in a forward direction, shown by arrow 39. The channel 106extends from the injection opening 102 to the suction opening 104 suchthat the injection opening 102 is in communication with the suctionopening 104. During movement of the fluid system 10 in a forwarddirection, as shown by arrow 39, fluid exterior to the fluid system 10flows into the channel 106 from the suction opening 104, through thechannel 106, and exits at the injection opening 102. As shown in FIG. 6,the second opening 60 and the cavity 64 defined by the first bodyportion 12 are positioned on the first body portion 12 such that fluidthat travels through the suction opening 104 and into the channel 106toward the trailing edge 40 encounters the second opening 60 and thecavity 64 when the second panel 24 is in the open configuration andbefore the fluid changes its direction of travel toward the injectionopening 102 along the path of the channel 106. Alternative to includinga recess on a first body portion, a first body portion and a second bodyportion can cooperatively define a channel in embodiments in which thefirst body portion and the second body portion are integrated elements.

In the illustrated embodiment, the channel 106 has a first depth 108 anda second depth 110 that is greater than the first depth 108. Each of thefirst depth 108 and second depth 110 extends from the first body portion12 to the second body portion 14 and is measured along a hypotheticalplane that is disposed orthogonally to the chord length 13 of the fluidsystem 10. While the channel 106 has been illustrated as having aparticular structural configuration and a depth that varies along thelength of the channel 106, a channel can have any suitable structuralconfiguration and selection of a suitable structural configuration for achannel can be based on various considerations, such as the desiredfluid flow through the channel. For example, the depth of a channel canbe constant along a portion, or the entirety, of its length or varyalong a portion, or the entirety, of its length. Examples ofcross-sectional configurations considered suitable for a channel includecircular cross-sectional configurations, rectangular cross-sectionalconfigurations, oval cross-sectional configurations, hexagonalcross-sectional configurations, multi-faceted cross-sectionalconfigurations, and any other cross-sectional configuration consideredsuitable for a particular embodiment.

In the illustrated embodiment, the injection opening 102 is positionedrelative to the chord length 13 such that an angle 101 is disposedbetween an axis 103 that is disposed orthogonal to the chord length 13and a first hypothetical line 105 that extends from the axis 103 andaway from the chord length 13. The first hypothetical line 105 extendsfrom the first intermediate edge 42 to the second body portion 14 and isdisposed perpendicular to the midline of fluid flow 190 through theinjection opening 102, as described in more detail herein, when thefluid system 10 is traveling in a forward direction and/or the fluidpressurizer 28 has been activated. The angle 101 is positive whentraveling in a counterclockwise direction relative to the axis 103 andis a negative when traveling in a clockwise direction relative to theaxis 103. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle 101 is about 30degrees.

In the illustrated embodiment, the suction opening 104 is positionedrelative to the chord length 13 such that an angle 109 is disposedbetween an axis 111 that is disposed orthogonal to the chord length 13and a second hypothetical line 113 that extends from the axis 111 andaway from the chord length 13. The second hypothetical line 113 extendsfrom the second intermediate edge 44 to the second body portion 14 andis disposed perpendicular to the midline of fluid flow 190 through thesuction opening 104 when the fluid system 10 is traveling in a forwarddirection and/or the fluid pressurizer 28 has been activated. The angle109 is positive when traveling in a clockwise direction relative to theaxis 111 and is a negative when traveling in a counterclockwisedirection relative to the axis 103. In the illustrated embodiment, theangle 109 is about 75 degrees.

In the illustrated embodiment, the injection opening 102 (e.g., centerof first hypothetical line 105) is disposed from the leading edge 38 adistance 115 equal to between about 0.1% and about 30% of the chordlength 13 and the first hypothetical line 105 has a length 117 equal tobetween about 0.001% and 5% of the chord length 13. In the illustratedembodiment, the suction opening 104 (e.g., center of second hypotheticalline 113) is disposed from the leading edge 38 a distance equal tobetween about 50% and about 95% of the chord length 13 and the secondhypothetical surface 113 has a length 121 equal to between about 0.002%and 10% of the chord length 13.

While the injection opening 102 and the suction opening 104 have beendescribed as being disposed at particular angles relative to the chordlength 13, as having particular lengths, and as being disposed atparticular distances from the leading edge 38, an injection opening anda suction opening included in a fluid system can be disposed at anysuitable angle relative to the chord length, can have any suitablelength, and can be disposed at any suitable distance from the leadingedge of a first body portion. Selection of a suitable angle to positionan injection opening and/or suction opening relative to the chordlength, a suitable length for an injection opening and/or suctionopening, and/or a suitable distance to position an injection openingand/or suction opening from the leading edge of a first body portion canbe based on various considerations, such as the desired fluid flowacross, or through, a fluid system. For example, alternative angles thatare considered suitable for angle 101 and angle 109 include anglesbetween about 90 degrees (e.g., such that the injection opening 102 isparallel to the chord length 13, such that the suction opening 104 isparallel to the chord length 13) and about −30 degrees, angles betweenabout 50 degrees to about 80 degrees, angles between about 45 degreesand about −15 degrees, angles equal to about 12 degrees, angles equal toabout 78 degrees, and any other angle considered suitable for aparticular embodiment. Examples of alternative distances consideredsuitable for distance 115 include distances between about 0.1% and about30% of the chord length 13, distances equal to about 15% of the chordlength 13, and any other distance considered suitable for a particularembodiment. Examples of alternative lengths considered suitable forlength 117 include lengths between about 0.001% and 5% of the chordlength 13, lengths equal to about 2.5% of the chord length, and anyother length considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Examplesof alternative distances considered suitable for distance 119 includedistances between about 50% and about 95% of the chord length 13,distances equal to about 72.5% of the chord length 13, and any otherdistance considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Examples ofalternative lengths considered suitable for length 121 include lengthsbetween about 0.002% and 10% of the chord length 13, lengths equal toabout 5% of the chord length 13, and any other length consideredsuitable for a particular embodiment.

While the first body portion 12 and second body portion 14 have beenillustrated as defining fixed angles at the injection opening 102 andthe suction opening 104 (e.g., angle 47, angle 49, angle 81, angle 85,angle 101, angle 109), alternative embodiments can include structureoperatively connected to one or more devices, such as an actuator,battery, and/or switch, that provides a mechanism for adjusting theangles described herein (e.g., angle 47, angle 49, angle 81, angle 85,angle 101, angle 109). Including structure that allows for an angle tobe manipulated during use is considered advantageous at least because itprovides a mechanism for varying the angle at which a jet formed by theinjection slot can be positioned relative to the top surface of a secondbody portion and/or the velocity at which a fluid travels through achannel cooperatively formed between the first body portion and thesecond body portion.

Each support of the plurality of supports 16 is disposed between thefirst body portion 12 and the second body portion 14 and has a first end112 attached to the first body portion 12 and a second end 114 attachedto the second body portion 14. Each support of the plurality of supports16 can be attached to the first body portion 12 and the second bodyportion 14 using any suitable technique or method of attachment.Selection of a suitable technique or method of attachment between asupport and a first body portion and/or second body portion according toa particular embodiment can be based on various considerations,including the material(s) that forms the support, the first bodyportion, and/or the second body portion. Example techniques and methodsof attachment considered suitable include welding, fusing, usingadhesives, mechanical connectors, and/or forming the first body portion,second body portion, and each support as an integrated component. In theillustrated embodiment, each support of the plurality of supports 16 iswelded to both the first body portion 12 and the second body portion 14.

While each support of the plurality of supports 16 has been illustratedas disposed at a particular location between the first body portion 12and the second body portion 14, a support can be disposed at anysuitable location between the first body portion and the second bodyportion of a fluid system. Selection of a suitable position for asupport according to a particular embodiment can be based on variousconsiderations, including the structural configuration between the firstbody portion and the second body portion. While each support of theplurality of supports 16 has been illustrated as having a particularstructural configuration, a support can have any suitable structuralconfiguration and selection of a suitable structural configuration for asupport according to a particular embodiment can be based on variousconsiderations, including the desired velocity at which fluid isintended to flow through a channel. For example, a support can be formedsuch that it is cylindrical, cuboidal, such that it defines an airfoiloriented toward the first body portion or second body portion, or suchthat it forms a portion of a wall that defines a channel.

While the fluid system 10 has been illustrated as including a pluralityof supports 16, a fluid system can include any suitable number ofsupports and selection of a suitable number of supports to include in afluid system can be based on various considerations, including thedesired velocity at which fluid is intended to flow through a channeldefined through the fluid system. Example number of supports consideredsuitable to include in a fluid system include zero, one, at least one,two, a plurality, three, four, five, and any other number consideredsuitable for a particular embodiment. For example, alternative toincluding a support, or a plurality of supports, a fluid system caninclude a second body portion that is directly attached to a first bodyportion.

In the illustrated embodiment, each spacer of the plurality of spacers18 has a first end 120, a second end 122, and a main body 124 and isattached to both the first body portion 12 and the second body portion14 to define a plurality of injection openings 126. In the illustratedembodiment, each spacer of the plurality of spacers 18 is partiallydisposed within the injection opening 102 such that the injectionopening 102 is partially obstructed by each spacer of the plurality ofspacers 18. This is considered advantageous at least because partiallyobstructing the injection opening 102 with the plurality of spacers 18provides a mechanism for positioning a plurality of jets 192, asdescribed in more detail herein, along the top surface 84 of the secondbody portion 14 and various lift profiles.

in the illustrated embodiment, the main body 124 of each spacer of theplurality of spacers 18 defines a front surface 128, an edge 130, andhas a rectangular cross-sectional configuration such that each spacer ofthe plurality of spacers 18 has a curved cuboidal structural arrangementthat is configured to mate with a portion of the length of the channel106. The front surface 128 of each spacer of the plurality of spacers 18extends from the first body portion 12 to the second body portion 14 andis considered the surface that is directed toward the environmentexterior to the channel 106 cooperatively defined by the first bodyportion 12 and the second body portion 14. The edge 130 is disposed atthe junction between the first end 120 and the front surface 128 of eachspacer of the plurality of spacers 18. In the illustrated embodiment,the edge 130 of each spacer of the plurality of spacers 18 is coplanarwith the first intermediate edge 42.

Each spacer of the plurality of spacers 18 can be attached to the firstbody portion 12 and the second body portion 14 using any suitabletechnique or method of attachment and selection of a suitable techniqueor method of attachment between a spacer and a first body portion and/orsecond body portion according to a particular embodiment can be based onvarious considerations, including the material(s) that forms the spacer,the first body portion, and/or the second body portion. Exampletechniques and methods of attachment considered suitable includewelding, fusing, using adhesives, mechanical connectors, and/or formingthe first body portion, second body portion, and each spacer as anintegrated component. In the illustrated embodiment, each spacer of theplurality of spacers 18 is a separate component welded to both the firstbody portion 12 and the second body portion 14.

While each spacer of the plurality of spacers 18 has been illustrated ashaving a particular structural arrangement and as being positioned at aparticular location on the fluid system 10, a spacer can be positionedat any suitable location on a fluid system and have any suitablestructural arrangement. Selection of a suitable location to position aspacer and a suitable structural arrangement for a spacer according to aparticular embodiment can be based on various considerations, such asthe desired flow through a channel defined by a fluid system and/or thedesired flow around a fluid system. For example, alternative topositioning an edge located between the first end and the front surfaceof a spacer coplanar with the first intermediate edge of a first bodyportion, an edge located between the first end and the front surface ofa spacer can be positioned such that it is disposed outside of thechannel cooperatively defined by a first body portion and a second bodyportion (e.g., such that it is not coplanar with the first intermediateedge and is positioned downstream from the first intermediate edge), orsuch that it is disposed within the channel cooperatively defined by afirst body portion and a second body portion (e.g., such that it is notcoplanar with the first intermediate edge). Spacers included in a fluidsystem can be spaced equally from one another (e.g., evenly), or bespaced at various lengths from one another depending on the lift andthrust desired to be accomplished by the fluid system. Examplestructural arrangements considered suitable for a spacer include spacersthat are cuboidal, curved cuboids, cylindrical, spacers that include oneor more curved surfaces, spacers that have a “C” cross-sectional shapesuch that a first portion is disposed at, or near, the injection openingof a fluid system and a second portion partially extends through aportion of the channel, and any other structural arraignment consideredsuitable for a particular embodiment.

While a plurality of spacers 18 has been illustrated, a fluid system caninclude any suitable number of spacers and selection of a suitablenumber of spacers to include in a fluid system according to a particularembodiment can be based on various considerations, such as the desiredfluid flow through a channel defined by a fluid system and/or thedesired fluid flow around a fluid system. Examples of numbers of spacersconsidered suitable to include in a fluid system include one, at leastone, two, a plurality, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten,more than ten, and any other number considered suitable for a particularembodiment.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the illustrated embodiment, the first panel 20 ismoveably attached to the first body portion 12 and has a first surface136, a second surface 138, a thickness 139 that extends from the firstsurface 136 to the second surface 138, a length 141, and a main body 140that defines a toothed geometry 142. The first panel 20 has a closedconfiguration, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, and an open configuration, asshown in FIG. 3, and is moveable between these configurations via thefirst actuator 22, as described in more detail herein. In the closedconfiguration, the first panel 20 is disposed over the third opening 62(e.g., completely covers the third opening 62), the first surface 136 isdirected toward the cavity 64 defined by the first body portion 12, andthe second surface 138 is directed toward an environment exterior to thecavity 64 and the channel 106. The toothed geometry 142 is sized andconfigured to mate with the toothed geometry 154 defined by a portion ofthe first actuator 22, as described in more detail herein.

An actuator included in a fluid system can comprise any suitableactuator and selection of a suitable actuator can be based on variousconsiderations, such as the structural arrangement of a panel includedin a fluid system and/or the material that forms a panel included in afluid system. Examples of actuators considered suitable to include in afluid system include electric motors, pneumatic actuators, hydraulicactuators, actuators that produce rotational movement around thelengthwise axis of an attached shaft, actuators that produce axialmovement of a shaft along the lengthwise axis of the shaft, and anyother actuator considered suitable for a particular embodiment. In theillustrated embodiment, each of the first actuator 22 and the secondactuator 26 is an electric motor.

The first actuator 22 is moveable between an off state, an open state,and a close state and comprises a motor 148, a shaft 150, and a drivegear 152 that defines a toothed geometry 154. The motor 148 can beoperatively connected to any suitable portion of the device, system, orcomponent on which the fluid system is disposed to provide power to thefirst actuator 22 (e.g., battery, electric motor) and to provide amechanism for moving the first actuator 22 between the off state, theopen state, and the close state (e.g., one or more switches). The firstactuator 22 is positioned relative to the first panel 20 such that thetoothed geometry 154 of the drive gear 152 is in communication with, andmates with, the toothed geometry 142 of the first panel 20 and movementof the first panel 20 can be achieved via movement of the first actuator22 between its states.

In the off state, the first actuator 22 maintains its position such thatthe first panel 22 maintains its position relative to the first bodyportion 12. In the open state, the first actuator 22 moves the shaft 150around the lengthwise axis of the shaft 150 in a first direction suchthat the first panel 22 moves along the lengthwise axis 11 of the fluidsystem 10 in a first direction and fluid and/or debris disposed withinthe cavity 64 can pass through the third opening 62 and into anenvironment exterior to the cavity 64. In the close state, the firstactuator 22 moves the shaft 150 around the lengthwise axis of the shaft150 in a second direction such that the first panel 22 moves along thelengthwise axis 11 of the fluid system 10 in a second direction,opposite that of the first direction, and fluid and/or debris disposedwithin the cavity 64 can accumulate within the cavity 64 and does notpass through the third opening 62.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the illustrated embodiment, the second panel 24is moveably attached to the first body portion 12 within the cavity 64and has a first surface 160, a second surface 162, a thickness 163 thatextends from the first surface 160 to the second surface 162, a length163, and a main body 164 that defines a toothed geometry 166. The secondpanel 24 has a closed configuration, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, and anopen configuration, as shown in FIG. 3, and is moveable between theseconfigurations via the second actuator 26. In the closed configuration,the second panel 22 is disposed over the second opening 60 (e.g.,completely covers the second opening 60), the first surface 160 isdirected toward the channel 106 cooperatively defined by the first bodyportion 12 and the second body portion 14, and the second surface 162 isdirected toward the cavity 64 defined by the first body portion 12. Thetoothed geometry 166 is sized and configured to mate with the toothedgeometry 174 defined by a portion of the second actuator 26, asdescribed in more detail herein.

The second actuator 26 is moveable between an off state, an open state,and a close state and comprises a motor 168, a shaft 170, and a drivegear 172 that defines a toothed geometry 174. The motor 168 can beoperatively connected to any suitable portion of the device, system, orcomponent on which the fluid system is attached to provide power to thesecond actuator 26 (e.g., battery, electric motor) and to provide amechanism for moving the second actuator 26 between the off state, theopen state, and the close state (e.g., one or more switches). The secondactuator 26 is positioned relative to the second panel 24 such that thetoothed geometry 174 of the drive gear 172 is in communication with, andmates with, the toothed geometry 166 of the second panel 24 and movementof the second panel 24 can be achieved via movement of the secondactuator 26 between its states.

In the off state, the second actuator 26 maintains its position suchthat the second panel 24 maintains its position relative to the firstbody portion 12. In the open state, the second actuator 26 moves theshaft 150 around the lengthwise axis of the shaft 150 in a firstdirection such that the second panel 24 moves away from the bottomsurface 50 of the first body portion 12 and toward the rear surface 48and fluid and/or debris travelling through the channel 106 can enter thecavity 64 defined by the first body portion 12 and, if the first panel20 is closed, accumulate in the cavity 64. Alternatively, if the firstpanel 20 is open, the fluid and/or debris can pass through the secondopening 60 and the third opening 62 and into an environment exterior tothe channel 106 and the cavity 64. In the close state, the secondactuator 26 moves the shaft 150 around the lengthwise axis of the shaft150 in a second direction, opposite that of the first direction, suchthat the second panel 24 moves away from the rear surface 48 and towardthe bottom surface 50 of the first body portion 12 and fluid and/ordebris travelling through the channel 106 does not enter the cavity 64and travels past the second panel 24 and exits through the injectionopening 102.

While each of the first panel 20, first actuator 22, second panel 24,and second actuator 26 have been illustrated as having a particularstructural arrangement and as being located at a particular position onthe fluid system, a first panel, a first actuator, a second panel, and asecond actuator can have any suitable structural arrangement and belocated at any suitable position on a fluid system. Selection of asuitable structural arrangement and/or position to locate a first panel,a first actuator, a second panel, and a second actuator can be based onvarious considerations, such as the desired flow around a fluid systemand/or the desired flow through a channel defined through a fluidsystem. For example, alternative to including a mating toothed geometrybetween the first panel and the first actuator and/or between the secondpanel and the second actuator, a panel can be positioned relative to anactuator that includes a plate and a threaded shaft that moves into andout of the motor which results in the plate contacting a portion of thepanel and movement of the panel between the closed and openconfigurations. Alternative to positioning each of a first panel, afirst actuator, a second panel, and a second actuator in a cavitydefined by a first body portion, each of these components can bepositioned at other suitable locations on a fluid system. For example, afirst panel and a first actuator can be positioned in a channel suchthat the first panel can open and close a second opening. However, it isconsidered advantageous to position a first panel and a first actuatorin the cavity of a first body portion to avoid manipulating the flowthrough a channel during use. For example, a second panel and a secondactuator can be positioned on the bottom surface of a first body portionsuch that the second panel can open and close a third opening. However,it is considered advantageous to position a second panel and a secondactuator in the cavity of a first body portion to avoid manipulating theflow over a first body portion.

A fluid pressurizer included in a fluid system can comprise any suitabledevice, system, or component capable of pressurizing fluid and selectionof a suitable fluid pressurizer can be based on various considerations,such as the structural arrangement of a channel cooperatively defined bya first body portion and second body portion. Examples of fluidpressurizers considered suitable to include in a fluid system includeelectric pumps, pneumatic pumps, hydraulic pumps, fans,micro-compressors, vacuums, and any other fluid pressurizer consideredsuitable for a particular embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, thefluid pressurizer 28 is an electric pump. In alternative embodiments, apump can be omitted from a fluid system or can comprise a fan, or can beair injected into a channel from an engine attached to the fluid system(e.g., jet engine).

In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid pressurizer 28 is disposedwithin the channel 106 and is in communication with the injectionopening 102 and the suction opening 104. The fluid pressurizer 28 ismoveable between an off state and an on state and comprises a pump 178,a suction port 180, and a discharge port 182. It is consideredadvantageous to include a fluid pressurizer 28 at least because itprovides a mechanism for pressurizing fluid 191 passing through channel106 and forming one or more jets 192 as the fluid 191 exits theinjection opening 102. A fluid pressurizer 28, such as pump 178, can beoperatively connected to any suitable portion of the device, system, orcomponent on which the fluid system is disposed to provide power to thefluid pressurizer 28 (e.g., battery, electric motor) and to provide amechanism for moving the fluid pressurizer 28 between the off state andthe on state (e.g., one or more switches). Alternative embodiments caninclude a fluid pressurizer that can vary the degree to which fluid ispressurized through the channel 106.

In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid pressurizer 28 is attached toboth the first body portion 12 and the second body portion 14 and ispositioned such that the suction port 180 is directed toward a firstportion of the channel 106 that extends from the suction opening 104 tothe pump 178 (e.g., the suction port 180 is directed toward the suctionopening 104) and the discharge port 182 is directed toward a secondportion of the channel 106 that extends from the injection opening 102to the pump 178 (e.g., the discharge port 182 is directed toward theinjection opening 102). In the off state, the pump 178 does not draw anyfluid through the channel 106. In the on state, the pump 178 draws fluidthrough the suction opening 104, through the channel 106 and pump 178,and pushes fluid out of the injection opening 102.

A fluid pressurizer can be attached to a first body portion and/orsecond body portion using any suitable technique or method of attachmentand selection of a suitable technique or method of attachment between afluid pressurizer and a first body portion and/or second body portionaccording to a particular embodiment can be based on variousconsiderations, including the material(s) that forms the fluidpressurizer, the first body portion, and/or the second body portion.Example techniques and methods of attachment considered suitable includewelding, fusing, using adhesives, mechanical connectors, and any othertechnique or method considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the fluid pressurizer is fastened to thefirst body portion 12 and the second body portion 14 using mechanicalconnectors (e.g., screws, bolts). Alternative embodiments, however, caninclude a fluid pressurizer that is only attached to a first bodyportion or a second body portion.

As shown in FIG. 7, a conventional airfoil is generally a solidstructure that allows fluid to flow around the airfoil producing arelatively large degree of separation through a fluid flow fieldrelative to the fluid system 10, as shown in FIG. 1, which has a firstbody portion 12 stacked with a second body portion 14 along the wingspan. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 the fluid flow 190 interacts withthe fluid system 10 such that the fluid 191, which in this example isair, travels around, and through, the fluid system 10. The fluid 191travels into the suction opening 104, through the channel 106, ispressurized by the fluid pressurizer 28, exits at the injection opening102 through each injection opening of the plurality of injectionopenings 126, and is injected into the fluid flow 191 as a plurality ofjets 192 over the top surface 84 of the second body portion 14.Depending on the number of spacers, pumps, and/or channels included in afluid system, alternative embodiments can form a single jet over the topsurface of the second body portion. In the illustrated embodiment, thejet 192 of fluid is substantially tangential to the top surface 84 ofthe second body portion 14 downstream of the injection opening 102. Theone or more jets 192 are co-flow jets in that they form a stream offluid that is injected into a separate fluid, or fluid flow. In theillustrated embodiment, the one or more jets 192 are substantiallytangential to the top surface 84 of the second body portion 14downstream of the injection opening 102. However, alternativeembodiments can include one or more jets that are not tangential to thetop surface of a second body portion (e.g., jets can be varied based onposition of a moveable first intermediate edge, can be 45 degreesrelative to the top surface of a second body portion, can be betweenabout 9 degrees (tangential) and about 45 degrees relative to the topsurface of a second body portion). As described herein, the angle atwhich the first body portion 12 is disposed relative to the innersurface 56 can vary at the injection opening 102, which provides amechanism for modifying the angle at which a jet is formed (e.g., duringuse, can be varied multiple times during flight) relative to the topsurface of a second body portion.

In the illustrated embodiment, when the fluid system 10 is moving in aforward direction, shown by arrow 39, and the fluid pressurizer 28 is inan on state, the fluid 191 travels through the suction opening 104 andinto the channel 106, travels toward the trailing edge 40, andencounters the second opening 60 and the cavity 64 when the second panel24 is in the open configuration and before the fluid changes directiontoward the injection opening 102. As shown in FIG. 2, debris 193 thathas passed through the second opening 60 accumulates in the cavity 64when the first panel 20 is in the closed configuration. To remove debris193 from the cavity 64, the first panel 20 is moved to the openconfiguration, as shown in FIG. 3, such that the debris 193 and anyother debris entering the cavity 64 while the first panel 20 and thesecond panel 22 are open can pass through the third opening 62 and intoan environment external to the cavity 64 and the fluid system 10.Alternatively, debris can be removed from a cavity by moving a secondpanel to the closed configuration and a first panel to the openconfiguration such that the debris can pass through a third opening andinto an environment external to the cavity and a fluid system. Removalof debris can be accomplished at any suitable time, for any suitableduration of time, and at any suitable location. For example, if a fluidsystem is in flight, removal of accumulated debris can occur duringflight or when the fluid system is grounded.

As described above, as shown in FIG. 6, the second opening 60 and thecavity 64 are positioned on the first body portion 12 such that fluidpassing through the suction opening 104 and into the channel 106 towardthe trailing edge 40 encounters the second opening 60 and the cavity 64when the second panel 24 is in the open configuration and before thefluid changes direction of travel toward the injection opening 102. Inthe illustrated embodiment, each of the second opening 60, the thirdopening 62, and cavity 64 is disposed between the trailing edge 40 and aplane that is orthogonal to the chord length 13 that contains the rearedge 82 of the second body portion 14. In the illustrated embodiment,the debris 193 disposed in the fluid 191 (e.g., air) has a higherdensity than the fluid 191 and experiences higher centrifugal forcesthat result in the debris 193 being forced through the second opening 60and into the cavity 64 when the fluid system 10 is moving in a forwarddirection, as shown by arrow 39, and/or the fluid pressurizer 28 is inan on state. The position of the second opening 60 and the cavity 64 isconsidered advantageous at least because it provides a mechanism forfiltering out debris 193 that enters the channel 106 defined by thefluid system 10 prior to the debris 193 entering the fluid pressurizer28, such as pump 178. Alternatively, when there is a relatively lowamount, or no, debris in the fluid through which the fluid system istraveling, a second panel can be positioned in the closed configurationsuch that the fluid can travel through a suction opening and a channeland directly to a fluid pressurizer.

While each of the second opening 60, the third opening 62, and cavity 64has been illustrated as disposed between the trailing edge 40 and aplane that is orthogonal to the chord length 13 that contains the rearedge 82 of the second body portion 14, a second opening, third opening,and cavity of a fluid system can be positioned at any suitable locationon a fluid system. Selection of a suitable location to position a secondopening, third opening, and/or cavity can be based on variousconsiderations, such as the desired fluid flow through a channel definedby the fluid system. For example, a third opening and/or a cavitydefined by a first body portion can be positioned at any suitablelocation on a first body portion such that each of the cavity and/or thethird opening are in communication with the second opening. A thirdopening and/or a cavity defined by a first body portion can bepositioned between a recess base and a bottom surface of a first bodyportion or between a front surface and a bottom surface of a first bodyportion.

Optionally, a fluid system can include one or more sensors within acavity defined by a first body portion that are configured to alert auser of the fluid system (e.g., pilot of an airplane) that the debrisaccumulated within the cavity has reached a certain level and removal ofthe debris should be completed. Any suitable sensor having any suitablestructural configuration can be included in a fluid system and selectionof a suitable sensor can be based on various considerations, such as theintended use of the sensor. Example sensors considered suitable toinclude in a fluid system include fluid level sensors, ultrasonicsensors, infrared sensors, imaging devices, and any other sensorconsidered suitable for a particular embodiment. A sensor included in afluid system can be operatively connected to a portion of the device,system, or component on which a fluid system is disposed to providepower to the sensor (e.g., battery, electric motor), communicationbetween the sensor and a user of the fluid system, and to provide amechanism for moving the sensor between an off state and an on state(e.g., one or more switches).

The first body portion 12, the second body portion 14, the plurality ofsupports 16, the plurality of spacers 18, the first panel 20, the secondpanel 22, the first actuator 24, the second actuator 26, the fluidpressurizer 28, and any other feature, element, or component describedherein and included in the fluid system 10 can be formed of any suitablematerial and manufactured using any suitable technique. Selection of asuitable material to form a first body portion, a second body portion, aplurality of supports, a plurality of spacers, a first panel, a secondpanel, a first actuator, a second actuator, a fluid pressurizer, and anyother feature, element, or component described herein and included in afluid system and a suitable technique to manufacture a first bodyportion, a second body portion, a plurality of supports, a plurality ofspacers, a first panel, a second panel, a first actuator, a secondactuator, a fluid pressurizer, and any other feature, element, orcomponent described herein and included in a fluid system can be basedon various considerations, including the intended use of the fluidsystem. Example materials considered suitable to form a first bodyportion, a second body portion, a plurality of supports, a plurality ofspacers, a first panel, a second panel, a first actuator, a secondactuator, a fluid pressurizer, and/or any other feature, element, orcomponent described herein include conventional materials, metals,steel, alloys, plastics, combinations of metals and plastics, compositematerials, and any other material considered suitable for a particularembodiment. Example methods of manufacture considered suitable tomanufacture a first body portion, a second body portion, a plurality ofsupports, a plurality of spacers, a first panel, a second panel, a firstactuator, a second actuator, a fluid pressurizer, and/or any otherfeature, element, or component described herein include conventionmethods and techniques, injection molding, machining, 3D printing,and/or any other method or technique considered suitable for aparticular embodiment. For example, a first body portion and second bodyportion of a fluid system can be formed of a first material and eachspacer included in the fluid system can be formed of a second materialthat is different than the first material. For example, a panel includedin a fluid system can be formed of a malleable material such that whenit is moved between its open and closed configurations it forms to thestructure to which it is attached.

While the first body portion 12, the second body portion 14, theplurality of supports 16, the plurality of spacers 18, the first panel20, the second panel 22, the first actuator 24, the second actuator 26,the fluid pressurizer 28, and any other feature, element, or componentdescribed herein and included in the fluid system 10 has beenillustrated as having a particular structural configuration, a firstbody portion, a second body portion, a plurality of supports, aplurality of spacers, a first panel, a second panel, a first actuator, asecond actuator, a fluid pressurizer, and any other feature, element, orcomponent described herein and included in a fluid system can have anysuitable structural arrangement. Selection of a suitable structuralarrangement for a first body portion, a second body portion, a pluralityof supports, a plurality of spacers, a first panel, a second panel, afirst actuator, a second actuator, a fluid pressurizer, and any otherfeature, element, or component described herein and included in a fluidsystem can be based on various considerations, including the intendeduse of the fluid system.

The embodiments described herein are considered advantageous for anytype of flight, including transonic flights (e.g., between about Mach0.6 and about Mach 0.95). When included on aircraft that will becompleting transonic flights, or on aircrafts in which a shock wave maybe created on the upper surface of the airfoil, the suction opening canbe disposed downstream from where a shock wave may be created, orbetween the trailing edge and where the shock wave may be created.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate another example fluid system 210. The fluidsystem 210 is similar to the fluid system 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2,3, 4, 5, and 6 and described above, except as detailed below. The fluidsystem 210 has a lengthwise axis 211, a chord length 213, a first bodyportion 212, a second body portion 214, a plurality of supports 216, aplurality of spacers 218, and a fluid pressurizer 228. In theillustrated embodiment, the fluid system 210 is included on the airfoil230 of a wing 232 of an aircraft.

In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid system 210 omits the inclusionof a second opening, a third opening, a cavity, a first panel, a firstactuator, a second panel, and a second actuator, such as those describedwith respect to fluid system 10. However, any of the fluid systemsdescribed herein, such as fluid system 210, can include a plurality ofsupports, a second opening, a third opening, a cavity, a first panel, afirst actuator, a second panel, and/or a second actuator, such as thosedescribed with respect to fluid system 10.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second body portion 214 defines aplurality of recesses 402, the fluid system 210 includes a plurality ofspacer actuators 404, and each spacer of the plurality of spacers 218 ismoveable between a first position, as shown in FIG. 8, and a secondposition, as shown in FIG. 9. In the first position, a first volume ofeach spacer of the plurality of spacers 218 is disposed within thechannel 306 and partially obstructs fluid flow through the channel 306.In the second position, each spacer of the plurality of spacers 218 isentirety disposed within a recess of the plurality of recesses 402 suchthat a second volume of each spacer of the plurality of spacers 218 isdisposed within the channel 306. In the illustrated embodiment, thefirst volume is greater than the second volume.

Each recess of the plurality of recesses 402 extends from the topsurface 284 and into the main body 278 of the second body portion 214and is sized and configured to receive a spacer of the plurality ofspacers 218 and a spacer actuator of the plurality of spacer actuators404.

A spacer actuator included in a fluid system can comprise any suitableactuator and selection of a suitable actuator can be based on variousconsiderations, such as the structural arrangement of a recess definedby a second body portion and/or the structural arrangement of a spacerincluded in a fluid system. Examples of spacer actuators consideredsuitable to include in a fluid system include electric motors, pneumaticactuators, hydraulic actuators, actuators that produce rotation movementaround the lengthwise axis of an attached shaft, actuators that produceaxial movement of a shaft along the lengthwise axis of the shaft, andany other actuator considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Inthe illustrated embodiment, each actuator of the plurality of spaceractuators 404 is an electric motor.

Each spacer actuator of the plurality of spacer actuators 404 ismoveable between an off state, an open state, and a close state andcomprises a motor 406 and a threaded shaft 408. A spacer of theplurality of spacers 218 is attached to the threaded shaft 408 of eachspacer actuator of the plurality of spacer actuators 404. The motor 406can be operatively connected to any suitable portion of the device,system, or component on which the fluid system is disposed to providepower to the actuator (e.g., battery, electric motor) and to provide amechanism for moving the actuator between the off state, the open state,and the close state (e.g., one or more switches). Each spacer actuatorof the plurality of spacer actuators 404 is positioned relative to aspacer of the plurality of spacers 218 such that movement of the spacercan be achieved via movement of the actuator between its states.

In the off state, each spacer actuator of the plurality of spaceractuators 404 maintains the position of the spacer attached to thespacer actuator relative to the second body portion 214. In the openstate, the threaded shaft 408 rotates in a first direction about itslengthwise axis such that the attached spacer of the plurality ofspacers 218 advances into a recess of the plurality of recesses 402 toits second position, as shown in FIG. 9, and the fluid passing throughthe channel 306 can pass over the spacer and out of the injectionopening 302. In the second position, each spacer of the plurality ofspacers 218 is disposed within a recess of the plurality of recesses 402such that it does not obstruct any fluid flowing through channel 306 anda portion (e.g., surface) of each spacer of the plurality of spacers 218is disposed on a hypothetical surface that extends over the recesswithin which it is disposed and that is continuous with the main body ofthe second body portion 214. In the close state, the threaded shaft 408rotates in a second direction, opposite that of the first direction,about its lengthwise axis such that the attached spacer of the pluralityof spacers 218 advances out of a recess of the plurality of recesses 402to its first position, as shown in FIG. 8, and the fluid passing throughthe channel 306 is obstructed by the spacer. In the first position, eachspacer of the plurality of spacers 218 is partially disposed outside ofa recess of the plurality of recesses 402 such that it obstructs thefluid flowing through channel 306.

While each spacer of the plurality of spacers 218 has been described asmoveable between a first position and a second position, any suitablenumber of spacers of a plurality of spacers can be moveable between afirst position and a second position. Selection of a suitable number ofspacers of a plurality of spacers to include in a fluid system that aremoveable can be based on various considerations, such as the desiredflow through a channel defined by a fluid system. For example, one ormore spacers can be fixed in place, such as those described with respectto FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, and one or more spacers can be moveablebetween a first position and a second position, such as those describedwith respect to FIGS. 8 and 9 and with respect to FIGS. 10 and 11, asdescribed in more detail herein. It is considered advantageous toinclude a spacer that is, or a plurality of spacers that are, moveablebetween a first position in which the spacer, or each spacer of theplurality of spacers, obstructs a portion of the injection opening and asecond position in which the spacer, or each spacer of the plurality ofspacers, does not obstruct a portion of the injection opening at leastbecause it provides a user of the fluid system with a mechanism tomanipulate the power consumption of the fluid system, the fluid forcesbeing applied to the fluid system, the flow characteristics of a jetacross the second body portion, and/or the flow characteristics of fluidacross the first body portion, second body portion, and/or channelduring use of the fluid system (e.g., during flight). For example, whena fluid system, such as fluid system 210 illustrated herein with respectto FIGS. 8 and 9 or fluid system 610 illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, anddescribed in more detail herein, are included on the wing of anaircraft, a large thrust may be desired at take off and a small amountof lift may be desired at cruise altitude. In this example, it isconsidered advantageous to position a spacer, or a plurality of spacers,in the first position during take off and the spacer, or the pluralityof spacers, in the second position during flight at cruise altitude toincrease the thrust at take off, reduce the lift required at cruisealtitude, and reduce the energy required to achieve lift and thrust.

While a plurality of spacer actuators 404 has been illustrated, a fluidsystem can include any suitable number of actuators and selection of asuitable number of actuators to include in a fluid system can be basedon a various considerations, such as the structural arrangement of aspacer, or a plurality of spacers, included in the fluid system. Forexample, a single actuator can be operatively attached to each spacer ofa plurality of spacers (e.g., using an elongate member) such thatmovement of the actuator between the off state, open state, and closedstate moves each spacer of the plurality of spacers attached to theactuator between its first and second positions.

While each spacer of the plurality of spacers 218 has been illustratedas being disposed within a recess of the plurality of recesses 402 whenin its second position such that it does not obstruct any fluid flowingthrough channel 306, a spacer can have any suitable structuralconfiguration relative to a channel when in its first position and/orsecond position. Selection of a suitable structural configuration for aspacer in the first position and second position can be based on variousconsiderations, such as the desired flow through a channel defined by afluid system. For example, alternative to being entirety disposed withina recess defined by a second body portion in the second position, aspacer can be partially disposed within the channel when the spacer isin the second position such that it is partially disposed in the channeland partially obstructs fluid flow through the channel. While the secondbody portion 214 has been illustrated as defining a plurality ofrecesses 402 and each recess of the plurality of recesses 402 isillustrated as having an actuator of the plurality of spacer actuators404 disposed in the recess, alternative embodiments can include a firstbody portion that defines structure similar to that illustrated withrespect to the second body portion 214 such that a first body portiondefines a plurality of recesses that are each sized and configured toreceive an actuator and a spacer such that the spacer can be movedbetween a first position and a second position, as described herein.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate another example fluid system 510. The fluidsystem 510 is similar to the fluid system 210 illustrated in FIGS. 8 and9 and described above, except as detailed below. The fluid system 510has a lengthwise axis 511, a chord length 513, a first body portion 512,a second body portion 514, a plurality of supports 516, a spacer 518,and a plurality of fluid pressurizers 528. In the illustratedembodiment, the fluid system 510 is included on the airfoil 530 of awing 532 of an aircraft.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first body portion 512 and secondbody portion 514 cooperatively define an injection opening 602, asuction opening 604, a plurality of discrete channels 606, and a recess702 and the fluid system 510 includes a spacer actuator 704 and aplurality of batteries 710. In the illustrated embodiment, the spacer518 is moveable between a first position, as shown in FIG. 10, and asecond position, as shown in FIG. 11. In the first position, a firstvolume of the spacer 518 is disposed within each channel of theplurality of channels 606 and partially obstructs fluid flow througheach channel of the plurality of channels 606. In the second position, asecond volume of the spacer 518 is disposed within each channel of theplurality of channels 606. In the illustrated embodiment, the firstvolume is greater than the second volume.

In the illustrated embodiment, the recess 702 extends from the topsurface 584 and into the main body 578 of the second body portion 514and is sized and configured to receive the spacer 518 and the spaceractuator 704. The spacer actuator 704 is moveable between an off state,an open state, and a close state and comprises a motor 706 and a shaft708. The spacer 518 is attached to the shaft 708 of the spacer actuator704 and has a length that is equal to the length of the injectionopening 602. The motor 706 can be operatively connected to any suitableportion of the device, system, or component on which the fluid system isdisposed to provide power to the actuator (e.g., battery, electricmotor) and to provide a mechanism for moving the actuator between theoff state, the open state, and the close state (e.g., one or moreswitches). The spacer actuator 704 is positioned relative to the spacer518 such that movement of the spacer can be achieved via movement of theactuator between its states.

In the off state, the spacer actuator 704 maintains the position of thespacer 518 relative to the second body portion 514. In the open state,the shaft 708 moves in a first direction along its lengthwise axis suchthat the spacer 518 advances into the recess 702 to its second position,as shown in FIG. 11, and the fluid passing through each channel of theplurality of channels 606 can pass over the spacer 518 and out of theinjection opening 602. In the second position, the spacer 518 isdisposed within the recess 702 such that it does not obstruct any fluidflowing through each channel of the plurality of channels 606. In theclose state, the shaft 708 moves in a second direction, opposite that ofthe first direction, along its lengthwise axis such that the attachedspacer 518 advances out of the recess 702 to its first position, asshown in FIG. 10, and the fluid passing through each channel of theplurality of channels 606 is obstructed by the spacer 518. In the firstposition, the spacer 518 is partially disposed outside of the recess 702such that it entirely obstructs the fluid flowing through each channelof the plurality of channels 606.

In the illustrated embodiment, each channel of the plurality of channels606 extends from the injection opening 602 to the suction opening 604such that the injection opening 602 is in communication with the suctionopening 604. In the illustrated embodiment, the material that forms eachchannel of the plurality of channels 606 is a thermal conductivematerial (e.g., aluminum). During movement of the fluid system 510 in aforward direction, as shown by arrow 539, fluid flows through eachchannel of the plurality of channels 606 from the suction opening 604 tothe injection opening 602.

In the illustrated embodiment, each fluid pressurizer of the pluralityof fluid pressurizers 528 is disposed within a channel of the pluralityof channels 606 and is in communication with the injection opening 602and the suction opening 604. Each fluid pressurizer of the plurality offluid pressurizers 528 is moveable between an off state and an on stateand comprises a pump 678, a suction port 680, and a discharge port 682.A fluid pressurizer 528, such as pump 678, can be operatively connectedto any suitable portion of the device, system, or component on which thefluid system is disposed to provide a mechanism for moving the fluidpressurizer 528 between the off state and the on state (e.g., one ormore switches). It is considered advantageous to include a plurality offluid pressurizers 528 at least because the jet flow through a channelof a fluid system becomes more efficient and can be controlled moreeffectively. For example, in embodiments in which a fluid system, suchas system 510, is included on the wing of an aircraft, use of only asingle fluid pressurizer decreases a users ability to create a uniformjet along the wing span and use of a plurality of fluid pressurizersallows a user to control the jet being produced over separate sectionsalong the wing span to create a uniform, or substantially uniform, flow.In embodiments in which a plurality of fluid pressurizers are includedin a fluid system, a user can vary the degree to which fluid ispressurized through a channel by manipulating the state of each fluidpressurizer, or one or more fluid pressurizers, and a jet created by thefluid system can be manipulated and controlled by the user to adjust thelift, thrust, and/or drag to control the yaw, roll, and pitch.

In the illustrated embodiment, each fluid pressurizer of the pluralityof fluid pressurizers 528 is attached to the first body portion 512 andis positioned such that the suction port 680 of each fluid pressurizerof the plurality of fluid pressurizers 528 is directed toward a firstportion of a channel of the plurality of channels 606 that extends fromthe suction opening 604 to the pump 678 (e.g., the suction port 680 isdirected toward the suction opening 604) and the discharge port 682 isdirected toward a second portion of the channel of the plurality ofchannels 606 that extends from the injection opening 602 to the pump 678(e.g., the discharge port 682 is directed toward the injection opening602). In the off state, the pump 678 does not draw any fluid through itsrespective channel of the plurality of channels 606. In the on state,the pump 678 draws fluid through the suction opening 604, through itsrespective channel 606 and pump 678, and through pushes the fluid out ofthe injection opening 602.

In the illustrated embodiment, a battery of the plurality of batteries710 is disposed between adjacent channels of the plurality of channels606 and is attached to the wall that defines a channel of the pluralityof channels 606 (e.g., to an inside surface, within a recess defined bythe wall, on a surface exterior to a channel). Each battery of theplurality of batteries 710 is operatively connected to a fluidpressurizer of the plurality of fluid pressurizers 528 to provide powerto the fluid pressurizer of the plurality of fluid pressurizers 528. Itis considered advantageous to position a battery between adjacentchannels of the plurality of channels 606 such that the battery'sefficiency can be increased and the battery can be cooled by the fluidpassing through the channel 606 (e.g., through the wall that defines thechannel 606). In addition, it is considered advantageous to position abattery between adjacent channels of the plurality of channels 606 suchthat the heat produced by the battery can be absorbed by the wall thatdefines a channel to increase the total enthalpy (e.g., energy) of thefluid flow through the channel, which will enhance the efficiency of thefluid pressurizer (e.g., pumping efficiency). In addition, it isconsidered advantageous to position a battery between adjacent channelsof the plurality of channels 606 such that the heat produced by thebattery can be absorbed by the wall that defines a channel and conductedto an exterior surface of the fluid system 510 and absorbed by anenvironment exterior to the fluid system 510 during use (e.g., duringflight).

Each battery of the plurality of batteries 710 can be attached to thewall that defines a channel of the plurality of channels 606 using anysuitable technique or method of attachment. Selection of a suitabletechnique or method of attachment between a battery and a wall thatdefines a channel according to a particular embodiment can be based onvarious considerations, including the material(s) that forms the batteryand/or the material(s) that form the wall of the channel. Exampletechniques and methods of attachment considered suitable includewelding, fusing, using adhesives, mechanical connectors, using high heatconductive materials, and any other method or technique consideredsuitable for a particular embodiment.

While a battery of the plurality of batteries 710 has been illustratedas disposed between adjacent channels of the plurality of channels 606,a battery, or a plurality of batteries, can be positioned at anysuitable location on a fluid system. Selection of a suitable location toposition a battery, or a plurality of batteries, can be based on variousconsiderations, such as the desired cooling intended to be imparted onthe battery, or plurality of batteries. For example, a fluid system canomit the inclusion of a battery between adjacent channels, include aplurality of batteries between adjacent channels, include a singlebattery, or multiple batteries, disposed adjacent a channel (e.g.,attached to a wall that forms a channel), and/or include a singlebattery between adjacent channels. Any suitable battery can be includedin a fluid system, such as lithium ion batteries.

While each battery of the plurality of batteries 710 has beenillustrated as operatively connected to a fluid pressurizer of theplurality of fluid pressurizers 528 to provide power to the fluidpressurizer of the plurality of fluid pressurizers 528, a battery, or aplurality of batteries, can be operatively connected to any suitablefeature, device, and/or system. Selection of a suitable feature, device,and/or system to operatively attach a battery, or a plurality ofbatteries, can be based on various considerations, such as the intendeduse of a fluid system of which the battery, or plurality of batteries,are included. For example, a battery, or a plurality of batteries,included in a fluid system can be attached to one or more fluidpressurizers, one or more actuators, such as those described herein,and/or any other feature, device, and/or system considered suitable fora particular embodiment.

While a single spacer actuator 704 has been illustrated as moving thespacer 518 between the first and second positions, a fluid system caninclude any suitable number of actuators and selection of a suitablenumber of actuators to include in a fluid system can be based on avarious considerations, such as the structural arrangement of a spacerincluded in the fluid system. For example, a plurality of spaceractuators can be operatively attached to a single spacer such thatmovement of the plurality of actuators between the off state, openstate, and closed state moves the spacer that is attached to eachactuator of the plurality of actuators between its first and secondpositions. Alternative embodiments can include a combination of theconfigurations illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 and those illustrated inFIGS. 10 and 11 such that discrete spacers are disposed along a firstportion of the injection opening and a single elongated spacer isdisposed along a second portion of the injection opening.

While the spacer 518 has been illustrated as being disposed within arecess of the plurality of recesses 702 when in its second position suchthat it does not obstruct any fluid flowing through each channel of theplurality of channels 606, a spacer can have any suitable structuralconfiguration relative to a channel when in its second position.Selection of a suitable structural configuration for a spacer in thefirst position and second position can be based on variousconsiderations, such as the desired flow through a channel defined by afluid system. For example, alternative to being entirety disposed withina recess defined by a second body portion, a spacer can be partiallydisposed within the channel when the spacer is in the second positionsuch that it is partially disposed in the channel and partiallyobstructs fluid flow through the channel. In alternative embodiments, aspacer can be moved to a position between its first and second positionssuch that the cross-sectional area of the injection slot can be variedduring use. While the second body portion 514 has been illustrated asdefining a recess 702 that has a spacer actuator 704 disposed in therecess 702, alternative embodiments can include a first body portionthat has structure similar to that illustrated with respect to thesecond body portion 514 that defines a recess that is sized andconfigured to receive an actuator and a spacer such that the spacer canbe moved between a first position and a second position, as describedherein.

While the fluid system 510 has been illustrated as including aninjection opening 602, a suction opening 604, and a plurality ofchannels 606, a fluid system can include any suitable number ofinjection openings, suction openings, and/or channels. Selection of asuitable number of injection openings, suctions openings, and channelsto include in a fluid system can be based on various considerations,including the desired flow through the fluid system. For example, afluid system can include a single injection opening that is incommunication with a plurality of channels, a single suction openingthat is in communication with a plurality of channels, a plurality ofinjection openings in communication with a single channel, a pluralityof suction openings in communication with a single channel, a pluralityof injection openings each in communication with a separate channel of aplurality of channels, a plurality of suction openings each incommunication with a separate channel of a plurality of channels, and/orany other arrangement considered suitable for a particular embodiment.Alternatively, separate structure can be disposed within a channeldefined by a fluid system to define a plurality of injection openings, aplurality of suction openings, and/or a plurality of channels. Forexample, a plurality of ducts can be disposed in a channel cooperativelydefined by the first and second body portions to define a plurality ofinjection openings, a plurality of suction openings, and/or a pluralityof channels and one or more fluid pressurizers can be disposed within aduct of the plurality of ducts.

FIG. 12 illustrates another example fluid system 810. The fluid system810 is similar to the fluid system 510 illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11and described above, except as detailed below. The fluid system 810 hasa lengthwise axis 811, a chord length 813, a first body portion 812, asecond body portion 814, a plurality of supports 816, a spacer 818, anda fluid pressurizer 828. In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid system810 is included on the airfoil 830 of a wing 832 of an aircraft.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first intermediate edge 842 of thefirst body portion 812 defines a sinusoidal edge 1020 and a portion ofthe front surface 846 has a waved configuration that corresponds to theto the sinusoidal edge 1020. Sinusoidal edge 1020 is defined alongbetween the front surface 846 and a surface that is directed away fromthe leading edge 838 and comprises a plurality of peaks 1022 and troughs1024 that can have any suitable amplitude and frequency, such as thosedescribed herein. The peaks 1022 and troughs 1024 are disposed about thesame distance from the leading edge 838 of the first body portion 812(e.g., some variation may exist depending on the angle the firstintermediate edge 842 is disposed relative to the leading edge 838).This structural arrangement provides a mechanism for enhancing themixture of fluid that passes over the front surface 846 of the firstbody portion 812 and that travels over the second body portion 814.

The sinusoidal edge 1020 can comprise any suitable amplitude (e.g., peakto peak amplitude) and frequency and selection of a suitable amplitudeand frequency according to a particular embodiment can be based onvarious considerations, including the desired flow characteristicsintended to be achieved. Example amplitudes (e.g., peak to peak)considered suitable for a first intermediate edge of a first bodyportion include amplitudes equal to 1% to 100% of the distance between afirst body portion and a second body portion at an injection opening andrelative to the midline of fluid flow through the injection opening,amplitudes substantially equal to 1% to 100% of the distance between afirst body portion and a second body portion at an injection opening andrelative to the midline of fluid flow through the injection opening, andamplitudes about 1% to about 100% of the distance between a first bodyportion and a second body portion at an injection opening and relativeto the midline of fluid flow through the injection opening, and anyother amplitude considered suitable for a particular embodiment.

While the first intermediate edge 842 of the first body portion 812 hasbeen illustrated as defining a sinusoidal edge 1020, the firstintermediate edge of a first body portion can define any suitablestructural configuration. Selection of a suitable structuralconfiguration for the first intermediate edge of a first body portion todefine according to a particular embodiment can be based on variousconsiderations, including the flow characteristics intended to beachieved. Example structural configurations considered suitable includecurved, wavy, angled, sinusoidal, and any other structural configurationconsidered suitable for a particular embodiment.

While the first intermediate edge 842 of the first body portion 812 anda portion of the front surface 846 of the first body portion 812 havebeen illustrated as having a particular structural arrangement, a firstbody portion of a fluid system can have any suitable structuralarrangement. Selection of a suitable structural arrangement for a firstbody portion according to a particular embodiment can be based onvarious considerations, including the flow characteristics intended tobe achieved. For example, while FIG. 12 illustrates a portion of thefront surface 846 of the first body portion 812 as having a wavedconfiguration that corresponds to the to the sinusoidal edge 1020, thefront surface of first body portion can define a sinusoidalconfiguration, or waved configuration, that corresponds to a sinusoidaledge defined by the front surface of a first body portion. Alternativeembodiments can include a first intermediate edge that defines asinusoidal edge along a portion of the length of a front surface of afirst body portion such that the sinusoidal edge extends into a portionof the front surface and the inner surface of the first body portion. Inthis alternative embodiment, the peaks are disposed at the firstintermediate edge of the first body portion and the troughs are disposedbetween the first intermediate edge and the leading edge of the firstbody portion. Alternative embodiments can include a first body portionthat defines a sinusoidal edge on the first intermediate edge and asurface can extend from the first intermediate edge to the inner surfacesuch that the edge between the surface and the inner surface does notdefine a sinusoidal edge (e.g., it is continuous) and is disposedparallel to a hypothetical line that is disposed between the peaks andtroughs defined by the sinusoidal edge. In this alternative embodiment,the peaks and troughs are disposed about the same distance from theleading edge of the first body portion (e.g., some variation may existdepending on the angle the first intermediate edge is disposed relativeto the leading edge). Alternative embodiments can include a first bodyportion that defines a projection that extends from the main body of thefirst body portion and that defines a sinusoidal edge that extends awayfrom the bottom surface of the first body portion. In this alternativeembodiment, the peaks and troughs are disposed about the same distancefrom the leading edge of the first body portion (e.g., some variationmay exist depending on the angle the first intermediate edge is disposedrelative to the leading edge). Alternative embodiments can omit a firstbody portion that defines a sinusoidal edge and include a spacer, suchas spacer 218, that defines a sinusoidal edge, such as sinusoidal edge1020. In these alternative embodiments, the spacer defines thesinusoidal edge one the surface of the spacer that is directed towardthe first body portion that comprises a plurality of peaks and troughsthat can have any suitable amplitude and frequency, such as thosedescribed herein.

FIG. 13 illustrates another example fluid system 1110. The fluid system1110 is similar to the fluid system 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4,5, and 6 and described above, except as detailed below. The fluid system1110 has a lengthwise axis 1111, a chord length 1113, a first bodyportion 1112, a second body portion 1114, a plurality of supports 1116,a spacer 1118, a first panel 1120, a second panel 1124, and a fluidpressurizer 1128. In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid system 1110is included on the airfoil 1130 of a wing 1132 of an aircraft.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first body portion 1112 has a leadingedge 1138, a trailing edge 1140, a first intermediate edge 1142, asecond intermediate edge 1144, a third intermediate edge 1330, a fourthintermediate edge 1332, a first front surface 1146, a second frontsurface 1334, a first rear surface 1148, a second rear surface 1336, abottom surface 1150, and a main body 1152 that defines a recess 1154, aninner surface 1156, a first opening 1158, a second opening 1160, a thirdopening 1162, a fourth opening 1338, a fifth opening 1340, a firstpassageway 1342, a second passageway 1344, a third passageway 1346, anda cavity 1164. In addition, the first body portion 1112 and the secondbody portion 1114 cooperatively define a first injection opening 1202, asecond injection opening 1348, a first suction opening 1204, a secondsuction opening 1350, and a channel 1206.

The first intermediate edge 1142 is disposed between the leading edge1138 and the trailing edge 1140, the second intermediate edge 1144 isdisposed between the first intermediate edge 1142 and the thirdintermediate edge 1330, the third intermediate edge 1330 is disposedbetween the second intermediate edge 1142 and the fourth intermediateedge 1332, and the fourth intermediate edge 1332 is disposed between thethird intermediate edge 1330 and the trailing edge 1140. The firstintermediate edge 1142 defines a portion of the fourth opening 1338. Thesecond intermediate edge 1144 and the third intermediate edge 1330define the first opening 1158. The fourth intermediate edge 1332 definesa portion of the fifth opening 1340. The first front surface 1146extends from the leading edge 1138 toward the trailing edge 1140 to thefirst intermediate edge 1142 and curves away from the chord length 1113.The second front surface 1334 extends from the fourth opening 1338 tothe second intermediate edge 1142. The first rear surface 1148 extendsfrom the third intermediate edge 1330 away from the leading edge 1138 tothe fifth opening 1340 and curves toward the chord length 1113. Thesecond rear surface 1336 extends from the fourth intermediate edge 1332to the trailing edge 1140.

The first intermediate edge 1142 and the fourth opening 1338cooperatively define the first injection opening 1202. The secondintermediate edge 1144 and the second body portion 1114 cooperativelydefine the second injection opening 1348. The third intermediate edge1330 and the second body portion 1114 cooperatively define the firstsuction opening 1204. The fourth intermediate edge 1332 and the fifthopening 1340 cooperatively define the second suction opening 1350. Thefirst injection opening 1202 is disposed between the leading edge 1138and the second injection opening 1348. The second injection opening 1348is disposed between the first injection opening 1202 and the firstsuction opening 1204. The first suction opening 1204 is disposed betweenthe second injection opening 1348 and the second suction opening 1350.The second suction opening 1350 is disposed between the first suctionopening 1204 and the trailing edge 1140.

The channel 1206 extends from the second injection opening 1348 to thefirst suction opening 1204 such that the second injection opening 1348is in communication with the first suction opening 1204. The firstpassageway 1342 extends from the first injection opening 1202 to thechannel 1206 such that the first passageway 1342 is in communicationwith the channel 1206. The second passageway 1344 extends from thesecond suction opening 1350 to the channel 1206 such that the secondpassageway 1344 is in communication with the channel 1206. The thirdpassageway 1346 extends from the channel 1206 to the second passageway1344 such that the third passageway 1346 is in communication with thechannel 1206 and the second passageway 1344. During movement of thefluid system 1110 in a forward direction, as shown by arrow 1139, fluidflows through the channel 1106 from the first suction opening 1204 andthe second suction opening 1350, through the channel 1206, to the firstinjection opening 1202 and the second injection opening 1348. As shownin FIG. 13, the second opening 1160 and the cavity 1164 are positionedon the first body portion 1112 such that fluid that travels through thefirst suction opening 1204 and into the third passageway 1346 and intothe second passageway 1344 and also through the second suction opening1350 and into the channel 1206 toward the trailing edge 1140 andencounters the second opening 1160 and the cavity 1164 when the secondpanel 1124 is in the open configuration and before the fluid changesdirection of travel toward the injection opening 1202 along the path ofthe channel 1206.

The first intermediate edge 1142 is disposed at an angle 1343 to theinner surface of the first passageway 1342. The second intermediate edge1144 is disposed at an angle 1345 to the inner surface 1156 of therecess 1154. The third intermediate edge 1330 is defined at an angle1347 to the inner surface 1156 of the recess 1154. The fourthintermediate edge 1332 is disposed at an angle 1349 to the inner surface1156 of the second passageway 1344. In the illustrated embodiments, eachof angles 1343, 1345, 1347, and 1349 is less than 90 degrees. Whileparticular angles have been described, any suitable angle can be usedbetween these features and selection of a suitable angle can be based onvarious considerations, such as the desired fluid flow around, orthrough, a fluid system. Example angles considered suitable includeangles less than 90 degrees, angles less than 45 degrees, and any otherangle considered suitable for a particular embodiment.

While the first body portion 1112 has been illustrated as defining thefirst passageway 1342, the second passageway 1344, and the thirdpassageway 1346, any suitable portion of a fluid system can define afirst passageway, a second passageway, and a third passageway. Selectionof a suitable portion of a fluid system to define a first passageway, asecond passageway, and/or a third passageway can be based on variousconsiderations, such as the desired fluid flow through a channel definedby the fluid system. For example, a second body portion can define one,or all of, a first passageway, a second passageway, and/or a thirdpassageway. Alternatively, a first passageway, a second passageway, anda third passageway can be defined by the main body that forms the firstbody portion and the second body portion in embodiments in which thefirst body portion and the second body portion are forms as a singleelement.

While fluid system 1110 has been illustrated as including a channel1206, a first passageway 1342, a second passageway 1344, a thirdpassageway 1346, a first injection opening 1202, a second injectionopening 1348, a first suction opening 1204, and a second suction opening1350, a fluid system can omit all, or some of these features. Selectionof a suitable number of features to omit from a fluid system can bebased on various considerations, such as the desired fluid flow througha channel defined by the fluid system. For example, a fluid system caninclude structure that defines a channel, a first passageway, a firstinjection opening, a second injection opening, and a first suctionopening, such as those described herein. Alternatively, a fluid systemcan include structure that defines a channel, a second passageway, afirst injection opening, a first suction opening, and a second suctionopening, such as those described herein.

While the fluid system 1110 has been illustrated as including a firstpanel 1120, a first actuator 1122, a second panel 1124, a secondactuator 1126, a second opening 1160, a third opening 1162, a cavity1164, and a third passageway 1346, a fluid system can omit all, or someof these features. Selection of a suitable number of features to omitfrom a fluid system can be based on various considerations, such as thedesired fluid flow through a channel defined by the fluid system. Forexample, a fluid system can omit a first panel, a first actuator, asecond panel, a second actuator, a second opening, a third opening, acavity, and a third passageway such that it includes a first injectionopening, a second injection opening, a first suction opening, a secondsuction opening, and a channel.

FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate another example fluid system 1410. The fluidsystem 1410 is similar to the fluid system 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2,3, 4, 5, and 6 and described above, except as detailed below. The fluidsystem 1410 has a lengthwise axis 1411, a chord length 1413, a firstbody portion 1412, a second body portion 1414, a plurality of supports1416, a spacer 1418, and a fluid pressurizer 1428. In the illustratedembodiment, the fluid system 1410 is included on the airfoil 1430 of awing 1432 of an aircraft.

In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid system 1410 includes a fluidregulator 1760 disposed within the channel 1506 that is moveable betweena first position, as shown in FIG. 14, and a second position, as shownin FIG. 15. In the first position, the fluid regulator 1760 preventsfluid from flowing through the channel 1506. In the second position, thefluid regulator 1760 allows fluid to pass through the channel 1506. Afluid regulator included in a fluid system can comprise any suitablefluid regulator and selection of a suitable fluid regulator can be basedon various considerations, such as the structural arrangement of a firstbody portion, a second body portion, or a channel cooperatively definedby a first body portion and a second body portion. Examples of fluidregulators considered suitable to include in a fluid system includeelectric motors that include attached structure (e.g., half cylinder)that moves between first and second positions to regulate fluid flowthrough a channel, regulators that produce rotational movement aroundthe lengthwise axis of an attached shaft and that include attachedstructure (e.g., half cylinder) that moves between first and secondpositions to regulate fluid flow through a channel, regulators thatproduce axial movement of a shaft along the lengthwise axis of the shaftthat include attached structure (e.g., half cylinder) that moves betweenfirst and second positions to regulate fluid flow through a channel, andany other regulator considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the fluid regulator 1760 is an electricmotor 1762 that has a shaft 1764 and a main body 1766 attached to theshaft 1764 that defines a half cylinder 1768.

The fluid regulator 1760 is moveable between an off state, in which thefluid regulator 1760 is either positioned in the first position or thesecond position, and an on state, in which any structure attached to thefluid regulator 1760 moves relative to the channel 1506. The motor 1762can be operatively connected to any suitable portion of the device,system, or component on which the fluid system is disposed to providepower to the fluid regulator 1760 (e.g., battery, electric motor) and toprovide a mechanism for moving the fluid regulator 1760 between the offstate and the on state (e.g., one or more switches).

Fluid flow through the channel 1506 is regulated based on the positionof the fluid regulator 1760. For example, when the fluid regulator 1760is in the off state and in the first position, as shown in FIG. 14, nofluid, or a minimum amount of fluid will pass through channel 1506. Whenthe fluid regulator 1760 is in the off state and in the second position,as shown in FIG. 15, fluid can pass through channel 1506 and past thefluid regulator 1760. When the fluid regulator 1760 is in the on state,fluid will pass through channel 1506 in a pulsating manner based on themovement of the half cylinder 1768 within the channel 1506 between thefirst and second positions, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. The pulsatingflow will be based on the revolutions per minute that the attachedstructure, half cylinder 1768, moves relative to the channel 1506 andcan be set at a particular value or can vary depending on the desiredfluid flow through the channel 1506 and out of the injection opening1502. Pulsating flow is considered advantageous because it provides amechanism for manipulating the flow of fluid out of the injectionopening 1502 over the top surface 1484 of the second body portion 1414.The optimal pulsation frequency and duty cycle will be based on the flowconditions and airfoil geometry.

While a half cylinder 1768 has been illustrated as attached to a motor1762, any suitable structure can be included on a fluid regulator toachieve pulsating flow as described herein. Selection of suitablestructure to include on a fluid regulation can be based on variousconsiderations, such as the structural arrangement of a first bodyportion, a second body portion, or a channel cooperatively defined by afirst body portion and a second body portion. Examples of structuresconsidered suitable to include on a fluid regulator to achieve pulsatingflow as described herein include half cylinders, one or more blades, fanblades, elongate members, curved members, gates that move between firstand second positions (e.g., via an oscillatory gear system) to open andclose the channel, and any other structure considered suitable for aparticular embodiment. Alternatively, any of the moveable spacersdescribed herein can be used to achieve pulsating flow. For example, aspacer attached to an actuator can be moved between its first and secondpositions to create pulsating flow out of an injection opening. Thepulsating flow will be based on the number of times per minute that thespacer moves between the first and second positions within the channeland can be set at a particular value or can vary depending on thedesired fluid flow through the channel and out of the injection opening.In these embodiments, the pulsating fluid flow can be manipulated usinga spacer actuator.

Any of the spacer configurations and associated structure that providesmovement of a spacer, or plurality of spacers, illustrated herein can beincluded in any of the example embodiments illustrated and describedherein and at any suitable location on a fluid system and selection of asuitable spacer configuration, associated structure, and location toposition a spacer, or a plurality of spacers, on a fluid system can bebased on various considerations, such as the desired fluid flow througha channel defined by the fluid system. For example, any of the spacerconfigurations and associated structure that provides movement of aspacer, or plurality of spacers, illustrated herein can be disposed on afluid system at a suction opening in combination with, or exclusive of,any spacer configuration and associated structure that provides movementof a spacer, or plurality of spacers, at an injection opening.

While the example fluid systems described herein have been illustratedas being included on a wing of an aircraft that has a constant chordlength with no sweep angle, a fluid system, such as those describedherein can be included in any suitable structure, device, and/or system.Selection of a suitable structure, device, and/or system to include afluid system can be based on various considerations, such as theintended use of the structure, device, and/or system. Examples ofstructures, devices, and/or systems considered suitable to include afluid system, such as those described herein, include aircraft, unmannedreconnaissance aircrafts, small person aircrafts, commercial airlines,wings of aircrafts, wings of aircrafts that have a varying chord lengthand/or sweep angle, wings of aircraft that are tapered, space shuttles,space exploratory aircrafts, exploratory aircrafts, airplanes,helicopters, rotorcraft rotor blades, vehicles, automobiles, cars,trucks, motorcycles, boats, locomotives, projectiles, turbines, windturbines, blades of wind turbines, gas turbine engines, gas turbineengine compressors and/or fans, pumps, propellers, blades, sails, anystructure, device, and/or system that uses airfoils, land vehicles,water vehicles, air vehicles, any structure, device, and/or system thatis used to generate lift and/or thrust, and any other structure, device,and/or system considered suitable. For example, the fluid systemsdescribed herein can be advantageously used for exploratory missions toother planets, such as flights in the Martian atmosphere. This isconsidered advantageous at least due to the reduced energy consumption,enhanced lift, reduced drag, generated thrust, increased cruiseaerodynamic efficiency, enhanced maneuverability and safety, and reducedtake off/landing distance required for structures, devices, and/orsystems that include a fluid system, such as those described herein.

Any of the herein described examples of fluid systems, and any of thefeatures described relative to a particular example of a fluid system,can be included along a portion, or the entirety, of the span of a wing,blade, or other feature of a device, system, component (e.g.,transportation vehicle) in which it is desired to include a fluidsystem. For example, a first opening, a second opening, a third opening,a fourth opening, a fifth opening, a cavity, a first track, a secondtrack, a first panel, a second panel, a first injection opening, asecond injection opening, a first suction opening, a second suctionopening, a channel, a first passageway, a second passageway, thirdpassageway, and/or a fluid regulator of a fluid system can extend alonga portion, or the entirety, of the span of a wing, blade, or otherfeature in which it is desired to include a fluid system. Alternatively,a fluid system can include a plurality of discrete combinations offeatures and elements that include structure similar to the firstopenings, the second openings, the third openings, the fourth openings,the fifth openings, the cavities, the first tracks, the second tracks,the first panels, the second panels, the first injection openings, thesecond injection openings, the first suction openings, the secondsuction openings, the channels, the first passageways, the secondpassageways, the third passageways, and/or the fluid regulatorsdescribed herein. For example, each discrete combination of a firstopening, a second opening, a third opening, a fourth opening, a fifthopening, a cavity, a first track, a second track, a first panel, asecond panel, a first injection opening, a second injection opening, afirst suction opening, a second suction opening, a channel, a firstpassageway, a second passageway, third passageway, and/or a fluidregulator described herein can be in communication with a separate fluidpressurizer (e.g., pump) and can be separately operable by a user of afluid system (e.g., using switches).

FIGS. 16, 17, 18, and 19 illustrate a first example rotatable wingsystem 1610. The rotatable wing system 1610 includes a fuselage 1612, awing box 1614, a first wing 1616, and a second wing 1618.

The fuselage 1612 has a front end 1624, a rear end 1626, and a main body1628 that defines a recess 1630, a recess base 1631, a first slot 1632,a second slot 1634, a fuselage chamber 1636, a first rail 1638, and asecond rail 1640. The recess 1630 is disposed between the front end 1624and the rear end 1626 and extends into the main body 1628 of thefuselage 1612 from a top surface of the fuselage 1612. In theillustrated embodiment, the recess 1630 defines a partial cylinder.However, alternative embodiments can define any suitable structuralarrangement, such as partial ellipsoids, complete cylinders, completeellipsoids, and any other configuration considered suitable for aparticular embodiment. As best shown in FIG. 19, each of the first slot1632 and the second slot 1634 are disposed within the recess 1632 andprovide access to the fuselage chamber 1636. Each of the first slot 1632and the second slot 1634 is sized and configured to receive a portion ofan attachment track 1646, as described in more detail herein. In theillustrated embodiment, the fuselage chamber 1636 is an enclosed spacethat is separated from other parts of the fuselage (e.g., passengercabin, storage cabin). Alternative embodiments, however, can include afuselage chamber that is not separated from other chambers of thefuselage. As best shown in FIG. 19, each of the first rail 1638 and thesecond rail 1640 are disposed within the fuselage chamber 1636, extendalong the recess base 1631, and are sized and configured to interactwith the plurality of wheels 1652 of the attachment track 1646, asdescribed in more detail herein.

The wing box 1614 has a main body 1644 and is rotatably attached to thefuselage 1612 by an attachment track 1646. In the illustratedembodiment, the wing box 1614 defines a partial cylinder that mirrorsthe configuration of recess 1630 and is sized and configured to bepartially disposed with the recess 1630. However, alternativeembodiments can include a wing box that does not mirror theconfiguration of a recess defined by a fuselage and/or that defines apartial ellipsoids, complete cylinder, complete ellipsoids, and anyother configuration considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Themain body 1644 is attached to each of the first wing 1616 and the secondwing 1618 and can include any suitable structure to attach the wings1616, 1618 to the wing box (e.g., one or more spars). The attachmenttrack 1646 has a plurality of attachment bars 1648, a plurality of axles1650, and a plurality of wheels 1652. A first set of the plurality ofbars 1648 extends through the first slot 1632 and a second set of theplurality of bars 1648 extends through the second slot 1634. Each bar ofthe plurality of bars 1648 has a first end attached to the wing box 1614and a second end that is attached to an axle of the plurality of axles1652. A first wheel and a second wheel of the plurality of wheels 1652are rotatably disposed on each axle of the plurality of axles 1650. Thefirst wheel is in contact with the first rail 1638 and the second wheelis in contact with the second rail 1640. This structural arrangementprovides a mechanism for rotating each of the wing box 1614, the firstwing 1616, and the second wing 1618 relative to the fuselage 1612.Optionally, a rotatable wing system can include one or more mechanismsfor sealing the seam between a fuselage and a wing box (e.g., saw teethseal, labyrinth seal).

In the illustrated embodiment, movement of the wing box 1614, andattached wings 1616, 1618 in a clockwise direction, as shown by arrow1613 in FIG. 18, increases the angle of attack without rotating thefuselage 1612 and movement of the wing box 1614, and attached wings1616, 1618 in a counterclockwise direction, opposite that of arrow 1613,decreases the angle of attack without rotating the fuselage 1612 andallows for deceleration of the aircraft. The rotatable wing system 1610is considered advantageous at least because it provides a mechanism forrotating the wing box 1614, and the attached wings 1616, 1618, to anysuitable degree relative to the fuselage 1612. For example, a wing box,and attached wing(s), can be rotated between about 0 degrees and about90 degrees relative to the lengthwise axis of a fuselage, between about0 degrees and about 180 degrees relative to the lengthwise axis of thefuselage, between about 0 degrees and about 270 degrees relative to thelengthwise axis of the fuselage, between about 0 degrees and about 360degrees relative to the lengthwise axis of the fuselage, less than 45degrees, about 90 degrees, about −90 degrees, and any other degree ofmovement considered suitable for a particular embodiment.

Movement of the attachment track 1646 relative to the fuselage 1612 canbe accomplished using any suitable technique or method of accomplishingmovement and selection of a suitable technique or method can be based onvarious considerations, such as the materials forming the rotatable wingsystem. Examples of technique and methods of accomplishing movement ofan attachment track relative to a fuselage include attaching a motor toan attachment track that can be activated using one or more switches,attaching more than one motor to an attachment track that can beactivated using one or more switches, attaching a motor to each wheel,or set of wheels, of an attachment track that can be activated using oneor more switches, and any other technique or method considered suitablefor a particular embodiment.

While movement of a wing box relative to a fuselage has been illustratedas being accomplished using rails, axles, and wheels, any suitablesystem, device, and/or feature can be included on a rotatable wingsystem to accomplish movement of a wing box relative to a fuselage.Selection of a suitable system, device, and/or feature to include in arotatable wing system can be based on various considerations, includingthe intended use of the aircraft. For example, alternative embodimentscan include electromagnets that can produce magnetic levitation.

The fuselage 1612, the wing box 1614, the first wing 1616, the secondwing 1618, and the attachment track 1646 can be formed of any suitablematerial and manufactured using any suitable technique or method.Selection of a suitable material to form, and a suitable technique ormethod to manufacture, a fuselage, a wing box, a first wing, a secondwing, and an attachment track can be based on various considerations,including the intended use of the system. Examples of materialsconsidered suitable to form a fuselage, a wing box, a first wing, asecond wing, and an attachment track include conventional materials,metals, steel, alloys, plastics, combinations of metals and plastics,composite materials, and any other material considered suitable for aparticular embodiment. Example techniques and methods consideredsuitable to manufacture a fuselage, a wing box, a first wing, a secondwing, and an attachment track include convention methods and techniques,injection molding, machining, 3D printing, and/or any other method ortechnique considered suitable for a particular embodiment.

While the rotatable wing system 1610 has been illustrated as included afirst wing 1616 and a second wing 1618 and the attachment track 1646 hasbeen illustrated as including a plurality of attachment bars 1648, aplurality of axles 1650, and a plurality of wheels 1652, a rotatablewing system can include any suitable number of wings and an attachmenttrack can include any suitable number of bars, axles, and/or wheels.Selection of a suitable number of wings to include in a rotatable wingsystem and of a suitable number of bars, axles, and wheels to include inan attachment track can be based on various considerations, includingthe intended use of the aircraft. Examples of numbers of wings, bars,axles, and wheels considered suitable to include in a rotatable wingsystem include one, at least one, two, a plurality, three, four, five,six, more than six, and any other number considered suitable for aparticular embodiment.

FIG. 20 illustrates a second example rotatable wing system 1710. Therotatable wing system 1710 is similar to the rotatable wing system 1610illustrated in FIGS. 16, 17, 18, and 19 and described above, except asdetailed below. The rotatable wing system 1710 includes a fuselage 1712,a wing box 1714, and a first wing 1716.

In the illustrated embodiment, the recess 1730 is disposed between thefront end 1724 and the rear end 1726 and extends into the main body 1728of the fuselage 1712 from a bottom surface of the fuselage 1712. In theillustrated embodiment, the recess 1730 and the wing box 1714 definepartial ellipsoids.

FIG. 21 illustrates a third example rotatable wing system 1810. Therotatable wing system 1810 is similar to the rotatable wing system 1610illustrated in FIGS. 16, 17, 18, and 19 and described above, except asdetailed below. The rotatable wing system 1810 includes a fuselage 1812,a wing box 1814, and a first wing 1816.

In the illustrated embodiment, the fuselage 1812 defines a passageway1830 that extends through the fuselage 1812 is disposed between thefront end 1824 and the rear end 1826. The passageway 1830 extends intothe main body 1828 of the fuselage 1812 from a first side of thefuselage 1812 to a second side of the fuselage 1812. In the illustratedembodiment, the recess 1830 defines a cylindrical structure within whichthe wing box 1814 is disposed and rotatably attached. In thisembodiment, the slots and rails (not shown) extend about the entirecircumference of the passageway 1830 such that the wing 1816 can rotate360 degrees.

Any of the herein described rotatable wing systems (e.g., rotatable wingsystem 1610, rotatable wing system 1710, rotatable wing system 1810) caninclude one or more wings that include a fluid system, such as fluidsystem 10, fluid system 210, fluid system 510, fluid system 810, fluidsystem 1110, fluid system 1410, variations of the fluid systemsdescribed herein, and any other fluid system considered suitable for aparticular embodiment.

It is considered advantageous to include a rotatable wing system, suchas those described herein, on an aircraft at least because it allows forthe wing(s) of an aircraft to be rotated and achieve take off and/orlanding without rotating the entire airframe. In addition, the rotatablewing systems described herein allow for the wing(s) of any aircraft tobe rotated any suitable degree relative to a fuselage to maximizeefficiency during take off, flight, and/or landing.

Those with ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that variousmodifications and alternatives for the described and illustratedembodiments can be developed in light of the overall teachings of thedisclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed areintended to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of theinvention, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claimsand any and all equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fluid system comprising: a first body portionhaving a leading edge, a trailing edge, a first intermediate edge, asecond intermediate edge, a front surface, a rear surface, a bottomsurface, and a main body defining a recess, an inner surface, a recessbase, a first opening, a second opening, a third opening, and a cavity,the first intermediate edge disposed between the leading edge and thesecond intermediate edge, the second intermediate edge disposed betweenthe first intermediate edge and the trailing edge, the front surfaceextending from the leading edge to the first intermediate edge, the rearsurface extending from the trailing edge to the second intermediateedge, the bottom surface extending from the leading edge to the trailingedge, the recess extending into the main body of the first body portionfrom the first opening to the recess base and forming the inner surface,the first opening extending from the first intermediate edge to thesecond intermediate edge, the second opening defined on the innersurface and providing access to the cavity, the third opening defined onthe bottom surface and providing access to the cavity; a second bodyportion disposed within the recess defined by the main body of the firstbody portion, the first body portion and the second body portioncooperatively defining an injection opening, a suction opening, and achannel that extends from the injection opening to the suction opening,the channel having a first portion extending from the suction openingtoward the injection opening and a second portion extending from theinjection opening toward the suction opening; a spacer disposed withinthe channel cooperatively defined by the first body portion and thesecond body portion, the spacer partially obstructing fluid flow throughthe channel; a fluid pressurizer disposed within the channelcooperatively defined by the first body portion and the second bodyportion and having a suction port directed toward the first portion ofthe channel and a discharge port directed toward the second portion ofthe channel; a first panel moveably attached to the first body portionand moveable between an open configuration in which fluid can flowthrough the third opening and a closed configuration in which fluid isprevented from flowing through the third opening; a first actuatoroperatively attached to the first panel and configured to move the firstpanel between the open configuration and the closed configuration; asecond panel moveably attached to the first body portion and moveablebetween an open configuration in which fluid can flow through the secondopening and a closed configuration in which fluid is prevented fromflowing through the second opening; and a second actuator operativelyattached to the second panel and configured to move the second panelbetween the open configuration and the closed configuration; wherein thesecond opening provides access between the channel and the cavity; andwherein the third opening provides access between the cavity and anenvironment exterior to the first body portion.
 2. The fluid system ofclaim 1, wherein the second body portion is partially disposed withinthe recess defined by the main body of the first body portion.
 3. Thefluid system of claim 1, wherein the spacer extends from the second bodyportion to the first body portion.
 4. The fluid system of claim 1,wherein the spacer is moveable between a first position in which a firstvolume of the spacer is disposed within the channel and partiallyobstructs fluid flow through the channel and a second position in whicha second volume of the spacer is disposed within the channel, the firstvolume being greater than the second volume.
 5. The fluid system ofclaim 4, wherein the second body portion defines a recess sized andconfigured to receive the spacer; and wherein in the second position thespacer is entirely disposed within the recess defined by the second bodyportion.
 6. The fluid system of claim 1, wherein the spacer is formed ofthe same material as the first body portion and the second body portion.7. The fluid system of claim 1, wherein the spacer comprises a pluralityof spacers disposed within the channel cooperatively defined by thefirst body portion and the second body portion.
 8. The fluid system ofclaim 7, wherein each spacer of the plurality of spacers is moveablebetween a first position in which a first volume of each spacer of theplurality of spacers is disposed within the channel and partiallyobstructs fluid flow through the channel and a second position in whicha second volume of each spacer of the plurality of spacers is disposedwithin the channel, the first volume being greater than the secondvolume.
 9. The fluid system of claim 1, wherein the fluid pressurizercomprises a plurality of fluid pressurizers disposed within the channel,each fluid pressurizer of the plurality of fluid pressurizers having asuction port directed toward the first portion of the channel and adischarge port directed toward the second portion of the channel. 10.The fluid system of claim 1, further comprising a fluid regulatordisposed within the channel that moves between a first position thatprevents a fluid from flowing through the channel and a second positionthat allows a fluid to travel through the channel.
 11. The fluid systemof claim 1, wherein the first intermediate edge defines a sinusoidaledge.
 12. The fluid system of claim 1, wherein the first body portionand the second body portion cooperatively define the wing of anaircraft.
 13. A fluid system comprising: a first body portion having aleading edge, a trailing edge, a first intermediate edge, a secondintermediate edge, a front surface, a rear surface, a bottom surface,and a main body defining a recess, an inner surface, a recess base, afirst opening, a second opening, a third opening, and a cavity, thefirst intermediate edge disposed between the leading edge and the secondintermediate edge, the second intermediate edge disposed between thefirst intermediate edge and the trailing edge, the front surfaceextending from the leading edge to the first intermediate edge, the rearsurface extending from the trailing edge to the second intermediateedge, the bottom surface extending from the leading edge to the trailingedge, the recess extending into the main body of the first body portionfrom the first opening to the recess base and forming the inner surface,the first opening extending from the first intermediate edge to thesecond intermediate edge, the second opening defined on the innersurface and providing access to the cavity, the third opening defined onthe bottom surface and providing access to the cavity; a second bodyportion partially disposed within the recess defined by the main body ofthe first body portion, the first body portion and the second bodyportion cooperatively defining an injection opening, a suction opening,and a channel that extends from the injection opening to the suctionopening, the channel having a first portion extending from the suctionopening toward the injection opening and a second portion extending fromthe injection opening toward the suction opening; a spacer disposedwithin the channel cooperatively defined by the first body portion andthe second body portion, the spacer moveable between a first position inwhich a first volume of the spacer is disposed within the channel andpartially obstructs fluid flow through the channel and a second positionin which a second volume of the spacer is disposed within the channel,the first volume being greater than the second volume; a fluidpressurizer disposed within the channel cooperatively defined by thefirst body portion and the second body portion and having a suction portdirected toward the first portion of the channel and a discharge portdirected toward the second portion of the channel; a first panelmoveably attached to the first body portion and moveable between an openconfiguration in which fluid can flow through the third opening and aclosed configuration in which fluid is prevented from flowing throughthe third opening; a first actuator operatively attached to the firstpanel and configured to move the first panel between the openconfiguration and the closed configuration; a second panel moveablyattached to the first body portion and moveable between an openconfiguration in which fluid can flow through the second opening and aclosed configuration in which fluid is prevented from flowing throughthe second opening; and a second actuator operatively attached to thesecond panel and configured to move the second panel between the openconfiguration and the closed configuration; wherein the second openingprovides access between the channel and the cavity; and wherein thethird opening provides access between the cavity and an environmentexterior to the first body portion.
 14. The fluid system of claim 13,wherein the second body portion defines a recess sized and configured toreceive the spacer; and wherein in the second position the spacer isentirely disposed within the recess defined by the second body portion.15. The fluid system of claim 13, wherein the spacer is formed of thesame material as the first body portion and the second body portion. 16.The fluid system of claim 13, wherein the spacer comprises a pluralityof spacers disposed within the channel cooperatively defined by thefirst body portion and the second body portion, each spacer of theplurality of spacers is moveable between a first position in which afirst volume of each spacer of the plurality of spacers is disposedwithin the channel and partially obstructs fluid flow through thechannel and a second position in which a second volume of each spacer ofthe plurality of spacers is disposed within the channel, the firstvolume being greater than the second volume.
 17. The fluid system ofclaim 13, wherein the fluid pressurizer comprises a plurality of fluidpressurizers disposed within the channel, each fluid pressurizer of theplurality of fluid pressurizers having a suction port directed towardthe first portion of the channel and a discharge port directed towardthe second portion of the channel.
 18. The fluid system of claim 13,further comprising a fluid regulator disposed within the channel thatmoves between a first position that prevents a fluid from flowingthrough the channel and a second position that allows a fluid to travelthrough the channel.
 19. The fluid system of claim 13, wherein the firstintermediate edge defines a sinusoidal edge.
 20. A fluid systemcomprising: a first body portion having a leading edge, a trailing edge,a first intermediate edge, a second intermediate edge, a front surface,a rear surface, a bottom surface, and a main body defining a recess, aninner surface, a recess base, a first opening, a second opening, a thirdopening, and a cavity, the first intermediate edge disposed between theleading edge and the second intermediate edge, the second intermediateedge disposed between the first intermediate edge and the trailing edge,the front surface extending from the leading edge to the firstintermediate edge, the rear surface extending from the trailing edge tothe second intermediate edge, the bottom surface extending from theleading edge to the trailing edge, the recess extending into the mainbody of the first body portion from the first opening to the recess baseand forming the inner surface, the first opening extending from thefirst intermediate edge to the second intermediate edge, the secondopening defined on the inner surface and providing access to the cavity,the third opening defined on the bottom surface and providing access tothe cavity; a second body portion partially disposed within the recessdefined by the main body of the first body portion, the second bodyportion having a main body defining a recess, the first body portion andthe second body portion cooperatively defining the wing of an aircraft,an injection opening, a suction opening, and a channel that extends fromthe injection opening to the suction opening, the channel having a firstportion extending from the suction opening toward the injection openingand a second portion extending from the injection opening toward thesuction opening; a spacer disposed within the channel cooperativelydefined by the first body portion and the second body portion, thespacer sized and configured to be received by the recess defined by thesecond body portion and moveable between a first position in which thespacer extends from the second body portion to the first body portionand a first volume of the spacer is disposed within the channelpartially obstructing fluid flow through the channel and a secondposition in which the spacer is entirely disposed within the recessdefined by the second body portion and a second volume of the spacer isdisposed within the channel, the first volume being greater than thesecond volume; a fluid pressurizer disposed within the channelcooperatively defined by the first body portion and the second bodyportion and having a suction port directed toward the first portion ofthe channel and a discharge port directed toward the second portion ofthe channel; a first panel moveably attached to the first body portionand moveable between an open configuration in which fluid can flowthrough the third opening and a closed configuration in which fluid isprevented from flowing through the third opening; a first actuatoroperatively attached to the first panel and configured to move the firstpanel between the open configuration and the closed configuration; asecond panel moveably attached to the first body portion and moveablebetween an open configuration in which fluid can flow through the secondopening and a closed configuration in which fluid is prevented fromflowing through the second opening; and a second actuator operativelyattached to the second panel and configured to move the second panelbetween the open configuration and the closed configuration; wherein thesecond opening provides access between the channel and the cavity; andwherein the third opening provides access between the cavity and anenvironment exterior to the first body portion.